The National Labor Commission (NLC) is spearheading stakeholder meetings between the Ministries of Employment, Education and Finance, Fair Wages Commission, Ghana Education Service (GES), and the striking Pre Tertiary Teacher Unions.
Executive Secretary of NLC, Mr. Ofosu Asamoah told 3FM Sunrise that the commission is mandated by law to resolve all labour conflicts amicably, and facilitate implementation of resolutions. The commission has seasoned experts to ensure amicable settlement and if the worst happens, the courts are there to give finality to the dispute.
He is optimistic that due to the broader number of stakeholders involved in this meeting, an amicable settlement could easily be reached. “It is my wish that government will find something for them” he stated
Mr. Asamoah has also appealed to the media to support the commission to help resolve the issue.
The Executive Secretary of NLC has amplifiedcalls for open mind and honesty as stakeholders go into the meeting. “Whoever was dishonest in earlier meetings should be honest this time, and whoever was aggressive should be calm this time” he appealed.
The Executive Secretary of the NLC further reiterated calls on the striking teacher unions to go back to the classrooms because their absence from the schools gives the students some uncontrollable freedom. He recalled that the UTAG strike that was called off in March led to the death of some five students from the University of Education Winneba (UEW) who lost their lives in a road accident as they were returning to school after the university teachers called off the strike.
The pre tertiary teacher unions on Monday 4 July declared an indefinite strike over their demand for a 20% cost of living allowance that has not been honoured by the government of Ghana.
By Samuel Afriyie Owusu|3news.com|Ghana