The 2025 Salary Negotiations, Aptitude Test Results, and issues related to data on allowance payments have taken center stage among workers’ unions both within and outside the education sector. With only a few days until the December 7th election, many are questioning the delay in salary negotiations. As if the delay in salary discussions is not enough, educators are also wondering when the aptitude test results will be announced after sitting for the exam in August 2024.
In response to the numerous questions surrounding the 2025 salary negotiations, Education-News Consult has obtained updates from the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT).
The GNAT Department of Compensation and Benefits has provided the following updates:
- CPDA Payment: The 100% negotiated CPDA for 2024/25 was paid in September 2024, with GHS 200 for CPD training and GHS 100 for license renewal deducted as agreed in the signed Collective Agreement.
- Digital Support Allowance: The maiden GHS 800 Digital Support Allowance is due for payment in November 2024.
- Deprived Area Allowance: Plans are underway to negotiate figures for the Deprived Area Allowance.
- Outstanding Issues: All other unresolved issues in the Collective Agreement (CA) are being addressed.
- Promotion and Upgrade: The issues of reactivation, promotion placement, upgrading, and other related HRMIS concerns are receiving the attention they deserve through CAGD, PSC, and GES management.
- Minimum Wage and Base Pay: Negotiations for the 2025 minimum wage and base pay will commence soon, with a promised salary increase effective January 2025.
- Aptitude Test Results: The results of the aptitude test for promotion will be released soon.
Regarding point seven, while salary negotiations will definitely take place, the term “soon” remains vague. Salary earners are advised to temper their expectations, as negotiations are likely to occur after the new government assumes office, with the effective date set for January 2025, similar to what happened in January 2021.
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The Ashanti Regional GNAT Chairman, speaking on GNAT Hour, remarked:
“Salary negotiations will commence next year after the new government assumes office. I anticipate that negotiations for next year’s salaries will likely take place around June or July. Negotiations will not happen immediately after the new government takes power; it will take some time for the new administration to appoint a finance minister and address other priorities. Therefore, salary earners should manage their expectations if the ‘soon’ mentioned does not materialize before the elections.”
GNAT is aware of the situation but has refrained from being explicit, which explains the use of the word “soon” in their updates.
It is deeply concerning to observe the total silence surrounding the status of the 2025 salary negotiations by our union leaders. Organizations such as the TUC, GNAT, NAGRAT, CCT, UTAG, NMC, and GMA, which have traditionally been vocal about workers’ concerns, are uncharacteristically quiet.
Figures like Prof. Ransford Gyampo, Angel Carbonu, Thomas Musah, and King Ali, who are usually at the forefront of advocating for fair treatment of workers, are now loudly silent.
Why This Silence?
In previous instances, the TUC and individual union leaders were known for raising alarms when negotiations faced unnecessary delays. However, this time around, there appears to be total silence, leaving workers in a state of uncertainty and speculation.
Some workers may believe that negotiations are ongoing behind closed doors or that efforts are being made to overhaul the single spine structure. However, this is unlikely.
Union leaders are aware that for any meaningful outcome to emerge from negotiations, members must be informed and publicly involved to generate support for a better deal. The absence of any such communication suggests otherwise.
Key Questions for GNAT Members
Interestingly, all GNAT district chairpersons are part of the National Council of GNAT, which oversees all activities and is privy to updates from the national executives, including the National President and General Secretary. This implies that these district leaders have access to information on the status of the 2025 salary negotiations.
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