PRESS RELEASE FROM GET TOGETHER MOVEMENT (GETOM) THEME: APPEALING TO POTAG AND FAIR WAGES COMMISSION TO END IMPASSE.

It is an undeniable fact that teachers impart generations and their (teachers) level of influence is not in doubt. The decision by the Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana (POTAG) to withdraw their services was received with mixed reaction by the populace. Concerned Ghanaians are at sea and are asking mind-boggling questions. When will strike action cease to be a weapon for agitation? Why the stalemate in the negotiation between POTAG and Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) at such a crucial stage? How can the existing gap of disparity (salaries) between POTAG and UTAG be bridged to the satisfaction of all parties? The call by the Ashanti Regional chairman of POTAG for the dismissal of Mr George Smith Graham (Head of FWSC) is untenable. Assigning or apportioning blame is not the solution to the problem, the underlying contention should rather be addressed. Negotiation is a panacea to labour dispute, however taking an entrenched position in a negotiation will only result in a deadlock, which may culminate in labour unrest. It is therefore important for POTAG and FWSC to compromise their position in order to reach a consensus for an amicable settlement. Get Together Movement (GETOM) is making a passionate appeal to FWSC to step up their offer (ie the 90% market premium) and POTAG to reduce their demand (ie 114% market premium). Such sacrifices on the part of both parties will definitely resolve the impasse. We are calling on politicians and social commentators to be circumspect in discussing this issue to avoid heighten tension. Instead of politicizing the problem, we should rather adopt a nationalistic and a non-partisan approach to solving it. Polytechnic students are going through Psychological trauma and are therefore yearning for the resumption of academic work. For the sake of these innocent students, we are appealing to FWSC, POTAG and Ministry of Finance to re-open negotiations to give their seal of approval to end the impasse. The time to smoke the peace pipe is now. God bless our homeland Ghana.

Daniel Osabutey ( 0277-722587) Initiator of Get Together Movement ( GETOM)