The National Labour Commission(NLC) says the leaders of the aggrieved Colleges of Education Teachers Association (CETAG) declined a call from the Commission to participate in a vital stakeholders meeting.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NLC, Eyram, D.K Tottimeh in an interview with Sompa FM's Ade Akye Abia host, Owoahene Acheampong disclosed that CETAG blatantly informed NLC through a letter that they have no issues with them but their employers which is the government, hence that shall not attend the meeting.

According to Mr. Tottimeh, CETAG suggested to them that if the Labour Commission intends to resolve the issue, they should sit with their employer (government) instead.

CETAG announced the withdrawal of services from May 2, 2023. The leadership served notice to withdraw their services from the 46 public colleges of education effective Tuesday, 1st August 2023. According to them, the government had up till 31st July 2023 to implement their negotiated allowances which included book allowance, rent allowance, fuel allowance, tools allowance, and supervision allowance, among others.

But according to NLC, this conduct confirms that CETAG has taken a deliberate position to boycott their duties.

Mr. Eyram Tottimeh added that present at the meeting that day were representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and Fair Wages and Salaries Commission except for the aggrieved party, CETAG. 

He added that a strike action is employed by aggrieved employees to drive their complaints home. "that is why we summoned all parties involved. In fact, we were disturbed about their absence. But we will sit again next week."

"However disappointing their refusal to come was, the commission shall write a letter notifying them about the rescheduling of the stakeholder's engagement to next week, 9th August 2023 so they can explore better means of solving CETAG's issue.