Agbe-Carbonu addressing the media
The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike, beginning April 4, 2018.
It is in protest against what it claims to be a refusal of the government to pay salary arrears in respect of adjustments, upgrading, transfer grants and promotions since 2013.
Addressing a press conference at the NAGRAT Lyceum at Adabraka in Accra on yesterday, President of the association, Eric Agbe-Carbonu, asked its members at the pre-tertiary level (Primary to SHS) to lay down their tools.
He asked tutors in the senior high schools to sustain the action when schools re-open on April 16, 2018, adding that the disquiet of the members of NAGRAT had reached its fever pitch regarding the non-payment of the arrears by the government.
“We urge all our members to be resolute in pursuing what is rightfully ours and further advise heads of institutions and departments not to yield to any so-called ‘pressure from above’ in an attempt to intimidate teachers in the pursuit of their lawful and legitimate demands, because such actions will be met with full resistance,“ Mr Agbe-Carbonu remarked.
He was dismayed that the government had subjected teachers to numerous processes, including validation and signing of agreements, but had not kept faith with them (teachers).
“NAGRAT has done its bit at every twist and turn. However, what we see today are orchestrations, artful maneuvering and manipulations employed by the Ministry of Finance to refuse these payments,” he bemoaned.
By Solomon Ofori