Tema Teachers demand fair deal

Tema, Oct. 13, GNA - Striking public school teachers within Tema Municipality on Wednesday called on the Government to give them an appreciable salary adjustment like other employees in the country. They described the 40 per cent increment for workers of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and 22.5 per cent for the Teachers Education Workers Union (TEWU), as against 11.5 per cent for teachers as discriminating and unfair because they all contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

The teachers who had embarked on a sit down strike since last Monday made the call at a press conference in Tema. They called for the payment of arrears due them with effect from March saying that their return to work would be determined by the outcome of a meeting with the national leadership of GNAT.

Mr Jones Afesi, Secretary of the Tema District Teachers Association (TDTA), addressing the press conference said the Municipal GNAT leadership had failed to champion their cause but rather sought their own interest and therefore, called for their resignation. "They have exhibited gross disrespect and deceit for the rank and file of the teachers and should resign."

He cited the 11.5 per cent salary increment accepted by their local leadership without consulting the rank and file. "We therefore, want the Government to give us what it has given to other workers, for we are never inferior to any group of workers in this country," He added.

Following the lost of confidence in the leadership, Mr Afesi said the teachers have formed an association under the name Tema District Teachers Association (TDTA) to champion their cause. 13 Oct.05