UTAG Executive holding consultations with members

Accra, Sept. 8 GNA - The National Executive of the University Association of Ghana (UTAG) has began closed-door consultations with members to reach a consensus over the stalemate with the government over improved conditions of service.

An executive member of UTAG at the University of Ghana, Legon, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Monday, on the condition of anonymity, said members have the mandate to decide the way forward to facilitate the negotiation process that precipitated the industrial action on August 20.

" I cannot tell you what the outcome would be or be pre-emptive over the issue."

He explained that the consultations that started last Friday was the inception of the actual negotiations over proposals UTAG presented to government three years ago over improved conditions of service. "We started the process three years ago and so the issue now is about the proposal we made at that time to address the worsening plight of university teachers since 1994.

"We all want a quick end to this problem so that we can get back to the classroom. Lecturers are more eager to go back to lecture because that is the job we know how to do best."

UTAG is compose of matured members and are, therefore, handling the impasse with the best of wisdom, the Source said.

"We would not have registered students during the beginning of the 2003-2004 Academic Year or given orientation to fresh students if we were not matured people."

The source said UTAG is only seeking some fairness in the universal salary structure.

UTAG had made it a point that they would only resume work if negotiations on the proposed salary structure for the Association are completed for implementation in January 2004 and a written confirmation of approval from Government to UTAG is made.

In a reaction the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports announced the resumption of the meetings of the Standing Joint Negotiation Committee comprising the Ministry, the Ministry of Finance and UTAG. A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Sector Minister, called on UTAG and the other stakeholders to exercise restraint while efforts were being made to reach a salary structure acceptable to all.

Mr Baah Wiredu told the GNA, in an interview that the crisis would soon be resolved because the Ministry of Finance had agreed to factor their budget into the 2004 Budget. 08 Sept. 03