High Court Issues Injunction Against Teacher Unions’ Strike
The National Labour Commission (NLC) has successfully secured an injunction, halting the ongoing strike by teacher unions across the country. The decision comes after the NLC filed a lawsuit against the unions at the Accra High Court, citing their industrial action as unlawful and detrimental to the education sector.
In its ruling on Thursday, March 28, the High Court ordered that the teacher unions, comprising the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), cease all strike activities with immediate effect.
The strike, which commenced on Wednesday, March 20, was initiated by the teacher unions to protest against perceived negligence by the government in addressing their grievances related to working conditions and remuneration.
Among the issues raised by the unions were the withholding of teachers’ salaries, unilateral changes to timetables without consultation, and delays in the distribution of laptops to teachers. These concerns were voiced by Isaac Owusu, the National President of GNAT, during a media briefing announcing the strike.
The NLC, in a statement signed by its Chairperson, Justice Kwabena Asuman-Adu, had earlier ordered the unions to rescind their decision to strike. However, when the unions failed to comply, the NLC resorted to legal action, seeking the injunction to compel the unions to return to work.
The court’s decision to grant the injunction underscores the importance of dialogue and adherence to due process in resolving industrial disputes. While the unions have expressed their concerns regarding working conditions, it is essential to find a balanced approach that prioritizes the interests of all stakeholders, including teachers, students, and the government.
