CETAG open to talks on recovering lost teaching hours, but rejects extended class time
The leadership of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has expressed its willingness to engage in discussions on how to recover lost instructional hours following their two-month strike, which spanned from June 14 to August 20, 2024.
The strike was initiated in response to the government’s failure to implement agreed conditions of service for CETAG members.
Following successful negotiations with the National Labour Commission and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, CETAG called off the strike on August 20.
However, the association made it clear that while it is open to discussions on addressing lost teaching time, it will not agree to extended class hours.
In an interview with Citi News, CETAG’s national president, Prince Obeng-Himah, stated that although they are ready for discussions, teachers will not accept schedules that extend beyond the usual teaching hours.
He recalled past situations where teachers were required to work late into the night and resume teaching early the following morning, emphasizing that CETAG is not prepared to follow that approach again.
Obeng-Himah also highlighted that the strike was legally conducted, noting that despite attempts by the National Labour Commission to declare it illegal or secure court injunctions, the strike continued for two months without being stopped.
He concluded by stating that while CETAG is committed to resolving the issue, any solution should not place undue strain on the health and well-being of its members.
