UTAG not calling off strike despite Mahama’s plea

The industrial action embarked on by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) would not end anytime soon until government pays the arrears on market premium in addition to the book and research allowances.

“We will not call off the strike until all outstanding arrears are paid,” said Dr Langbong Bimi, University of Ghana-UTAG President.

Dr Bimi, who speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Friday, said Government failed to demonstrate commitment to implement a payment plan agreed upon by UTAG and the National Labour Commission, consequently members had no option than to lay down their tools.

As part of the payment plan, he said, Government was expected to clear all arrears as at July 31, however, that was ignored after several attempts by UTAG to get it.

Dr Bimi also refuted reports that members of the Association had been paid, saying the Government is preparing cheques on the market premium arrears, and that would take some time to reflect in their accounts.

Even if Government paid the arrears on market premium, the issues of book and research allowances ought to be resolved before UTAG would end the strike, he said.

UTAG will meet the National Security Coordinator and the National Labour Commission on the negotiation of book and research allowances on Monday, Dr Bimi said.

UTAG members embarked on the action on Thursday, August 1, to back demands for the payment of their arrears in their allowances.