Teacher Unions Declare Nationwide Strike Over Outstanding Labour Issues

Three major teacher unions have declared industrial action over what they describe as delays and failures by government agencies to resolve outstanding labour issues affecting teachers.

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Pre-Tertiary Education Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) announced the action in a press release, citing growing frustration among teachers over unresolved matters involving the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD).

The unions further outlined three major concerns that have left them with no other choice than to embark on this industrial action.

Delayed collective agreement negotiations

The unions said the existing Collective Agreement has expired, noting that negotiations for a new agreement, which they said should have been completed by June 2026, remain outstanding.

They mentioned that the issue has been raised with the FWSC on several occasions, but no resolution has been reached by the parties involved.

Salary placement of newly promoted teachers

The unions also raised concerns over what they described as the failure to automatically place newly promoted teachers on their appropriate salary levels.

According to the unions, an agreement involving the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, CAGD and the teacher unions provided for the automatic placement of teachers who successfully completed promotion examinations in December 2025 and February 2026.

The unions said the affected teachers are yet to receive the appropriate salary placement and related arrears, which they say should take effect from January 2026.

Deprived-area allowance

The implementation of the Deprived Area Allowance is another key issue cited by the unions.

They referenced Section 17(2) of the 2024 Collective Agreement, which they said requires the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to review the Deprived Area Report and negotiate the allowance with the FWSC, and said this process has not been completed.

They further alleged that the delay disregards a 2024 National Labour Commission ruling and a stated position attributed to President John Dramani Mahama concerning a 20 percent allowance on basic salary for teachers working in deprived and hard-to-reach areas.

The three unions said the unresolved issues have contributed to growing anger and agitation among teachers and prompted their decision to embark on industrial action.

The unions are calling for the outstanding issues to be addressed to pave the way for a resolution of the dispute.