The National Labour Commission (NLC) has attributed the government’s delay in addressing concerns raised by three pre-tertiary teacher unions to the absence of Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam.
The delay continues despite the unions’ inability to reach an agreement with the government within a week after suspending their nationwide strike.
The two-week industrial action was initiated due to demands for better conditions of service.
After meeting with the teacher unions, NLC Executive Secretary Ofosu Asamoah stressed the importance of facilitating negotiations to resolve the issue.
“Having come before the Commission, the grounds were set for the proper thing to be done. That is to give the parties time to negotiate. They were given one week. They have held four meetings already. And you know, the issues were about 17”.
“According to them, within the four meetings, they have been able to narrow it down to about six. And there was the need for them to engage further but actually, they would have been able to complete it by now. But you know, all that they are talking about is one of finance and right now those in charge who could give the mandate and approval for the agreement as the negotiations concluded, are having a spring meeting in the United States. That is the cause of the delay.”