Adutwum Hopeful UTAG's Strike Will End Soon

Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum

Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has said he is hopeful university lecturers will call off their strike in the coming days.

According to him, there has been a positive outcome after he met the Vice-Chancellors of the various universities over the ongoing strike.

Speaking to Citi News, he said, "We met with the Vice-Chancellors of the various universities and discussed a number of issues bordering around how to get our university teachers, without whom schools will not run back to the lecture halls."

"Some important decisions were made, and I am glad about the outcome. We are going to follow through to ensure that the strike is called off in the coming days."

Background

Academic work has been stalled for barely a month since students reported to their respective campuses across the country.

This is due to the nationwide industrial action by UTAG, which is already biting hard and taking a toll on academic calendars and students alike.

Among other things, UTAG wants the 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.

According to UTAG, until their demands for improved conditions of service are met, they cannot call off the strike.

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