B/A NAGRAT members stay home

Sunyani (B/A), Nov. 10, GNA -- Members of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) in Brong Ahafo have defied the national executive's directive to members to return to the classroom in compliance with the ruling of the Fast Track High Court. They said in a press statement signed by Stephen Asare, that they would go back to the classroom to teach only when all their grievances had been addressed.

"We resolve that we shall remain resolute and continue with our industrial action until all our outstanding grievances have been addressed, especially the latest development concerning the blockade of (October) salaries of NAGRAT members and other affected teachers", the teachers added.

They threatened to wear red bands and hit the streets in a demonstration if the salaries of the affected teachers were not restored.

Meanwhile, Mr Konadu Yiadom, NAGRAT Regional Secretary, told the decided to adhere to the court ruling".

The court declared the almost two-month strike action by the NAGRAT members illegal and ordered them to return to the classroom. When the GNA visited the Sunyani Secondary School to find out if the teachers had heeded the call to return to the classroom, only a few of them were seen on campus but not actively teaching.

The teachers told the GNA they would comply with the directive to teach but called on the authorities to reciprocate and ensure the payment of their October salaries.

They dismissed the suggestion that their decision to go by the ruling was due to the blocking of their salaries, saying: "We have prepared for the strike action for months".

Mr Bismarck Yeboah, Head of the English Department described the withholding of the salaries as "very inhuman and a sign of disrespect for teachers".

"How do you expect me to teach on an empty stomach", he queried. Mr Amoako Williams, a Science tutor of the school said not all topics had been treated and so much pressure would be on the students when they (teachers) resumed.

"We need more than a year to complete the science syllabus", he added.

A final year student, Master Isaac Kyeremeh, described the strike action as "very painful" and called on the authorities to help resolve the matter as soon as possible to enable them to prepare adequately for the final examinations next year. 10 Nov. 06