The Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana (POTAG) has said it will only return to work if the government pays the arrears of their Book and Research allowance.
POTAG on Thursday embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the non payment of their Book and Research allowance.
According to the Association, government has not shown commitment to resolving their concerns.
The Association has therefore ordered its members to withdraw all services with immediate effect.
“At a meeting with the Minister of Education on the 22nd April 2014, Government called for documentation, showing proof that the B&R is part of our conditions of service. This in POTAG’s view amounts to feet dragging and a demonstration of lack of commitment by Government,” a statement issued by POTAG noted.
Speaking to Citi News, the National President of POTAG, James Sukra also said teachers will not return to the classroom until their arrears are paid.
In his opinion, government’s decision to reverse their [teachers] conditions of service is very unfair.
“The Academic year has almost ended so we are asking the government to pay us our arrears,”Mr. Sukra insisted.
“There is no room for negotiation, we are not calling for increment, we are just calling for payment so we don’t see any room for any negotiation,” he added.
POTAG in April gave government an ultimatum to take immediate steps to pay their allowance.
The Association further wrote to the National Labour Commission (NLC), informing it about government’s nonchalant attitude towards their plight and its intentions of divulging all legitimate strategies to fight for their allowance.
POTAG’s concerns have however not been addressed yet, compelling it to embark on an indefinte strike.
By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana