UTAG suspends industrial action

Accra, Sept. 10, GNA - The National Executive Committee of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) on Wednesday announced that it is suspending its industrial action and would restore services with effect from Monday, September 15.

A statement by Dr H. Pufaa, President of UTAG in Accra, said their decision is in the hope that "this will be the last of (such) broken promises and that this matter will be resolved once and for all". UTAG withdrew its services on August 20 to back their demands for "a distinct and separate salary structure and better conditions of service".

Dr Pufaa said since the withdrawal of services, much has gone on between UTAG and the government.

This led to a mandate being given to the Standing Joint Negotiating Committee for negotiations to begin.

He said on September 5, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo opened negotiations and further gave an undertaking that the government would be fully committed and keep faith to the process of negotiation.

The Minister also promised in writing that negotiated figures would be factored into the 2004 budget.

"It is noted that there have been failed promises in the past. Consultations with our members on the various public university campuses were characterised by heated debates and doubts.

"As a result, some campuses resolved to continue the strike.

"However, the National Executive Committee of UTAG after a critical analysis of the situation has decided to suspend the strike and restore our services on Monday, 15th September, 2003, in the hope that this will be the last of such broken promises and that this matter will be resolved once and for all."

Students at the various public university campuses have been waiting for classes to start since the universities reopened about two weeks ago. 10 Sept. 03