The Vice President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has appealed to regional NAGRAT executives to call-off their strike. Angel Karbono told Joy News “after lengthy negotiation today” they have decided to call off the strike and return to the classroom. Leaders of the ten regional associations announced the nationwide strike to protest delays in the payment of their salary arrears. Government had proposed a payment plan of four years to settle the 13 months arrears owed the teachers but they resisted the proposal. One region after another, the associations announced the strike to demand better payment plan by government. Deputy Education Minister described the strike as premature and appealed to the striking teachers to return to work. He said government and the Fair Wages and Salary Commission are still negotiating with the leaders of the Association and will soon announce a package that will be acceptable to all. His appeal appears to have worked with the NAGRAT Vice President calling on the regional bodies to return to work on Monday. Karbono told Joy News shortly after meeting between officials of the Fair Wages Commission and NAGRAT officials that a payment schedule has been reached. According to that schedule, the 13 months arrears owed the teachers will be paid in less than a year with the final payment done in July 2012. He appealed to the striking teachers across the country to return the class room on Monday. He expressed optimism that government will not renege on its promise. In a reaction, Mahama Ayariga told Joy News the directive by the NAGRAT National executive is a vindication of the government’s stance. He assured that government will honour its promise of paying the arrears to the teachers within a year.