GES: We've taken steps to address NAGRAT issues

Accra, Sept. 26, GNA - The Ghana Education Service (GES) on Tuesday said it had taken steps to address all issues raised by the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), whose members have been on strike since the beginning of the academic year to press demands for better salaries.

In a statement issued in Accra, GES said it acknowledged the right of a group of workers and teachers to form associations. However, 'it is of the view that at all times actions taken by any group should be in conformity with the Labour Laws of the country'.

GES said under the GES Act and the Labour Act, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) were the only recognized bodies with collective bargaining certificate with the GES.

It said GES was now preparing to commence negotiations on the condition of service of teachers.

=93Even now, the door remains open for NAGRAT to avail itself of the opportunity provided under the Labour Law to GNAT for negotiations under the Joint Standing Negotiation Committee arrangement. =93However, while acknowledging the right of a group of workers and teachers to form associations such as NAGRAT, the GES cannot negotiate the terms of conditions service of teachers with NAGRAT as they have no Collective Bargaining Certificate.=94