THE NATIONAL Labour Commission (NLC) has in a ruling ordered the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) to call off its ongoing strike immediately and restore full services.
That was after the NLC had on December 3, 2018, heard the complaint brought before it by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) against CETAG over the dispute of “indefinite strict action” declared by CETAG on October 29, this year.
It would be recalled that CETAG declared an indefinite strike on October 29, 2018, over failed attempts to reach an agreement with government on a roadmap to the payment of their market premium and book and research allowances.
The decision to embark on a strike was contained in a statement issued after an emergency National Council meeting of CETAG in Kumasi.
The NLC panel that heard the case reportedly included Rose Karikari Anang, Chairperson; Fidelis Patrice Seddoh, member and Dr. James Atta Krufi Nuamah, also a member.
According to the commission, “detailed reasons for this ruling will be communicated within 10 days from this date (December 3, 2018).”
Having heard the parties, the commission directed further that “disputing parties – FWSC and CETAG – must return to the negotiation table within five working days i.e. by Monday, 10th December, 2018, and continue with the negotiation of the Interim Market Premium and Book Research Allowance.”
Furthermore, the commission directed that the negotiation must be concluded within 14 working days upon commencement and that the parties must negotiate in good faith with a view to reaching an agreement.
Finally, NLC directed that the parties must report the outcome of the negotiation to the commission not later than January 4, 2019.
BY Melvin Tarlue