FWSC denies reports of salary deductions for striking teachers

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has refuted media reports alleging that its CEO, Dr. George Smith-Graham, suggested teachers on strike would have their salaries deducted for each day they remained absent. Dr. Smith-Graham never made such remarks, according to the Commission. The FWSC expressed disappointment with the false claims and asked the public and media not to accept the reports or any conclusions drawn from them.

The statement emphasized that the statements attributed to Dr. Smith-Graham are not reflective of the Commission's or his position on the ongoing strike by pre-tertiary teacher unions. The FWSC clarified that its present discussions are aimed at dialogue and negotiations to resolve outstanding issues related to the teachers' collective agreement and conditions of service.

Earlier, the Commission held a meeting on October 6 with the leaders of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) to address concerns. Dr. Smith-Graham confirmed that subsequent meetings would be scheduled to allow for further consultations on the unions' demands before resuming negotiations.

The FWSC's role was prompted by the government's initiative following the start of the nationwide strike on September 28, following an emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Education on the same day. The Commission reiterated its dedication to constructive engagement with the unions and other stakeholders to find a mutually acceptable solution to the issues at hand.