The National Labour Commission (NLC) has sued the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) for failing to comply with the directive to call off its strike.

UTAG resolved to continue its strike unabated, despite the Commission declaring industrial action illegal.

That resolution was reached after the 15-member campuses of the Association held independent emergency meetings during which each of them expressed their disagreement with the directive.

Among other things, the NLC is praying the court forces UTAG to call off its strike as declared by the Commission on January 13, 2022.

The NLC is also seeking an interlocutory injunction that will compel the university lecturers to resume academic work as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, UTAG has sworn that until demands for improved conditions of service are met, they cannot call off their strike.

The lecturers say they are prepared to face the NLC in court on February 3, when the case will be heard.

“We will be in court on February 3. The Commission gives a directive, but it is only a court that can enforce it.”

“UTAG believes that we have made all the necessary documentation available to the Commission before embarking on a strike. Until our demands are met, we will continue the strike,” it added.

Due to ongoing strike by UTAG, academic work has stalled for barely a month since students reported to their respective campuses across the country.

The development may force some universities to shut down.

What is UTAG demanding?

UTAG wants government to reconsider the payment of its annual research allowance to a more realistic allowance “as this is critical to our research output, promotion and ultimately national development.”

They also want the 2013 Interim Market Premium (IMP) of 114% of Basic Salary restored.

The Association had bemoaned the current salary arrangement which has reduced its members’ basic premiums to $997.84 instead of the 2012 conditions of service which put entry level lecturers on monthly pay of $2,084.42.