Some first-year students of the University of Cape-Coast (UCC), have said they may consider going home should their lecturers continue their strike action this week.
Some of the first-years who spoke to the Republic Press stated that although they have several study groups on campus, it is difficult for them to learn without the lecturers.
The students said some of their colleagues have gone home and they may also consider going home if the lecturers do not return to the classroom.
A first-year student who only gave his name as Cyril said, “I’m still on campus hoping that the lecturers will resume this week but if after this week I don’t hear any positive news of their return, I’ll definitely go home”.
Similarly, Adams also said, “we’ve exhausted every means we can to learn, what haven’t we done?, study groups or what but still we need the lecturers to help us understand what we are studying”.
Emelia on the other hand observed that she doesn’t feel as a student when the student-lecturer relation is absent.
“As a first-year, I was expecting to know my lecturers, know what is expected of us and how our studies will be but here I am. Honestly you see me holding my books but I am not doing enough, I feel the lecturers should be around”.
UTAG has been on strike since January 10 to force the government to restore the conditions of service agreed upon in 2012.
Following the ruling by the National Labour Commission (NLC) on 13th January, 2022 against UTAG members in respect of the processes leading to the partial withdrawal of one (1) of three (3) core mandates, teaching and related activities, as illegal, the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG informed the general membership of UTAG about the directive of the NLC.
Consequently, the fifteen (15) member branches held independent emergency meetings to that effect, and the general membership expressed their dissatisfaction with the directive and were of contrary view.
The association in a statement said “the members have unanimously resolved to continue with the withdrawal of teaching and related services until further notice. By this cover note, all members are entreated to remain calm”.
UTAG members on all campuses are on strike to force the government to restore the conditions of service agreed upon in 2012.
The 2012 conditions of service pegged the Basic plus Market Premium of a lecturer at $2,084.42.
UTAG has complained that the current arrangement has reduced its members’ basic premiums to $997.84.
Meanwhile the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has declined an invitation by the National Labour Commission (NLC) to meet and discuss the issues surrounding the Association’s strike action.
In a letter dated February 4, to the NLC, Solicitor for UTAG, Keli-Delataa explained that meeting the Commission on Monday, February 7, would not be possible as the Association will be meeting Government to resolve the impasse.
According to UTAG, although it is grateful for the invitation, meeting the government side “is the more acceptable approach in the present circumstances” to try to iron out the differences.