UTAG, GAUA And Other University Labour Unions Postpones Never-ending Strike Till Further Notice

The University Teacher Association of Ghana (UTAG), Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), Teachers & Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU), Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSAG), Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) have suspended their planned strike which was to take effect on Friday October 14.

This was after the National Labour Commission (NLC) directed the government to hold meetings with them on their concerns.

A statement issued by the Unions on Thursday October 13 said “After the deliberations, the Commission directed that the Employer should hold meetings with the four (4) Labour Unions on Friday, 14th October 2022 and Monday, 17th October 2022 to ‘discuss terms of payment and other related matters’.

“The parties are to report back to the Commission on Wednesday, 19th October 2022 at 3 pm. As a result of this development, we write to communicate that the intended strike action of all Labour Unions in the public universities in Ghana, which was to commence from Today, 13th October 2022 has been postponed for the meetings with the Employer to take place. Should the meetings fail to yield the intended result, Leadership will, accordingly, communicate the next date for the strike action.

“Meanwhile, the National Leadership of the Labour Unions in the public universities in Ghana appreciate the overwhelming support given so far and we entreat all members to continue to stay calm and cooperate with Leadership as we address these issues.”

The unions explained their decision for the planned industrial action.

A statement they issued said “Following the Press Conference by UTAG, GAUA, SSA-UoG, and TEWU-GH with FUSSAG in attendance on Wednesday, 28th September 2022 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, the National Leadership of the four Labour Unions have had a series of engagements between some stakeholders of tertiary education in Ghana, including Vice Chancellors Ghana (VCG).

“Upon further deliberations among the National Leaders, we write to communicate that the

intended strike action of all labour unions in the public universities in Ghana takes effect from Thursday, 13th October 2022.”

They added “This gives the employer and all stakeholders of tertiary education in Ghana one crucial week to reverse the directive that seeks to negatively compromise the Conditions of Service of University Workers.

“Meanwhile, the National Leadership of the Labour Unions in the public universities in Ghana entreat all members to stay calm and cooperate with Leadership as we navigate this trying moment.”

The Unions earlier gave the government up till today Wednesday, October 5 to restore their conditions of service as agreed earlier this year or they withdraw their services.

“We know the language that easily sinks in their psyche, and we will speak it in one week if they fail to heed to their own agreement with us,” the National President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Professor Solomon Nunoo, stated at a press conference on Wednesday, September 28.

They expressed their displeasure at the apparent unilateral decisions taken by government in varying their conditions of service.

They claim letters written to draw attention to the anomalies have not been responded to.

“We wish to state that the Ministry of Finance, through GTEC, should ensure that the conditions subsequent to the support of staff welfare in extricating them from economic hostilities will not disadvantage them relative to the Conditions of Service of members of Labour Unions in Public Universities.

“We are by this Press Conference registering our displeasure on the directive and requesting that under no circumstance should Vice–Chancellors, through their Finance Directors, implement such by applying the Gh¢10.99 ex–pump approved rate ONLY to Fuel Allowance without considering Vehicle Maintenance and Off–Campus Allowances.

“Failure to address these essential concerns will result in the possible total withdrawal of our services across all Public Universities in Ghana.”