The National Labour Commission (NLC) has taken action in response to the ongoing nationwide strike declared by three major teacher unions in Ghana.
In a move aimed at addressing the underlying issues fueling the strike, the NLC has summoned both the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the striking unions to appear before it on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
The summoned unions include the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Ghana (CCT, Ghana).
The NLC’s decision to convene this meeting was prompted by a petition filed by the FWSC, citing concerns over delays in negotiations regarding the conditions of service and the alleged freeze of salaries by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
In accordance with its authority outlined in Section 139 of the Labour Act (2003), Act 651, the NLC has called for a hearing to address the issues at the heart of the dispute. The commission has advised all parties involved to halt any ongoing or intended actions and comply with the summons.
Meanwhile, the NLC has issued a directive ordering the three striking unions to immediately call off their nationwide strike.
In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Justice Kwabena Asuman-Adu, the NLC invoked Section 133 (1) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) to rescind the decision to strike. The commission emphasized that the declaration of the strike was not in compliance with Section 159 of Act 651.