POTAG Embarks On An Indefinate Strike

Polytechnic teachers all over the country have begun an indefinite sit- down strike following the failure on the part of the government regarding full implementation of the communique reached between Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana (POTAG) on one hand and the Standing Joint Negotiations Committee on the other hand for better remunerations of Polytechnic teachers.

According to a letter dated 25th July 2004 and signed by POTAG General Secretary, Micheal A. Brigandi, the strike takes effect from August 1, 2004 and would continue until government responds appropriately. ?Baring any positive development from government, we wish to note, with absolute certainty, that this sit-down strike is the beginning of a historical strike in the life of POTAG and probably the nation?, the statement warned.

The statement added that members would abstain from marking exam scripts, vetting project work, attending academic meetings and performing any other duty in relation with one?s capacity as a member of POTAG.

It would be recalled that that the Standing Joint Negotiating Committee of Polytechnics at its meeting on April 14, 2004 completed negations on allowances and salaries of POTAG members with the effective date of implementation of the allowances being January 1, 2004.