University of Ghana chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has threatened to embark on strike if they are not impressed by conditioned set by government regarding their conditions of service.

According to the General Secretary of the Chapter, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, they will not countenance their stance if the negotiation’s outcome does not sit well with their branch.

He explained that “we don’t mind going on strike alone if what they have gone to sign is inimical to our interest.”

“The constitution mandates us or gives us the right to reject,” Prof Gyampo insisted.

This is despite the decision of their mother body to back down on moves to lay down their tools again on October 8 in the face of an MoU which they claim had not been honoured.

In August, UTAG members undertook an industrial action to compel government to restore the conditions of service agreed upon in 2012.

After a short legal tussle, both parties agreed to negotiate the terms in a month, while UTAG returned to the classroom on August 23, 2021.

The 2012 conditions of service peg the Basic plus Market Premium of a lecturer at $2,084.42, but basic premiums of lecturers stand at $997.84.

On the back of the latest decision by national executives to revisit the negotiating table, the Political Science lecturer told Accra-based Citi FM that this will not be the end.

He also revealed suggestions that “the negotiation team itself should be overhauled.”

“People feel that the fact that they hold positions in UTAG simply makes them automatic members of negotiation,” Prof Gyampo added.

He wants the negotiation team to comprise “labour experts, economists, finance people; people who understand the game.”