Our strike continues – UTAG refuses to back down

The 13-membership universities of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) have unanimously agreed to continue with their strike despite the suit against it by the National Labour Commission (NLC).

The group in a statement Monday said: “Following the stalling of negotiations with the government on our Conditions of Service (CoS), which culminated in our declaration of a nationwide withdrawal of teaching and related activities among member public universities, all local branch executives were tasked by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to convene an emergency meeting to solicit the views of members on the way forward.

“The consensus is that the withdrawal of teaching and related activities must continue until the government puts some enhanced and progressive proposals on the table. The call is also for us to remain focused, united and resolute in our quest to ensure that government initiates and implements appropriate measures to improve our CoS”.

UTAG  began an indefinite industrial action last Tuesday over poor conditions of service and the failure of the government to resolve long-standing grievances.

The NLC however says the action is irregular especially since the leadership of the association is still negotiating with the government over their demands.

The NLC secured a 10-day interlocutory injunction on the  strike by UTAG.

The court ruled that upon considering the affidavits of Mr Ofosu Asamoah, the Executive Secretary of the applicant filed on 5 August 2021 “it is hereby ordered that the respondent [UTAG] by itself, its executives, officers, members, agents, servants, etc., are restrained from continuing with the current industrial action” and “are to comply with the directive of the NLC dated 2 August 2021.

“in addition to personal service of the order on the respondent, it is also to be served on the respondent by substituted service through the electronic media – radio, TV and other current electronic means”.

Some universities have had to suspend exams as a result of the strike.

Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh