The Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has announced its decision to join forces with the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) in a nationwide strike, which took effect on Friday, September 20, 2024.
The decision comes as both unions express frustration over the government’s failure to address their longstanding demands for improved working conditions. Despite multiple protests and negotiations, the unions say their pleas have gone unheeded, leaving them no choice but to resort to industrial action.
At the core of the unions’ grievances is the government’s failure to implement previously agreed-upon conditions, including the non-implementation of Vehicle Maintenance and Off-Campus allowances. These allowances, which were approved by the Ministry of Finance in a letter dated August 2, 2024, have yet to be put into effect by the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD), much to the dismay of TEWU members. This has been a major point of contention, as the union believes that these allowances are crucial for improving the quality of life for its members, many of whom are struggling to maintain their vehicles and cover off-campus expenses.
Additionally, TEWU has raised concerns over the government’s failure to recalculate and pay interest accrued from delayed Tier Two deductions to the union’s scheme. These deductions, which were meant to be paid between January 2010 and 2016, have yet to be properly accounted for. The union insists that the government owes its members a significant amount in interest, and they are demanding immediate payment to rectify the situation. This issue, TEWU argues, has placed unnecessary financial strain on its members, who deserve fair treatment and proper management of their retirement contributions.
Another critical issue raised by TEWU is the government’s failure to remit eight months’ worth of Tier Two deductions. These deductions were taken from employees’ salaries but were not transferred to the union’s scheme for effective management. The union has voiced its displeasure over the government’s delay in addressing this matter, arguing that it not only undermines the financial security of its members but also erodes their trust in the government’s ability to manage their retirement funds effectively.
The nationwide strike by TEWU comes on the heels of SSA-UoG’s ongoing strike, which began on Monday, September 16, 2024. The Senior Staff Association has similarly cited frustrations over the government’s inability to fulfill previous agreements, further intensifying the labor unrest across the country’s public universities. The two unions, united in their cause, are calling for immediate action to resolve these issues, which they believe are critical to ensuring the financial well-being and job security of their members.
The impact of the strike is expected to be far-reaching, particularly in Ghana’s public universities, where the absence of senior staff and educational workers could disrupt academic activities and delay key administrative processes. TEWU has urged all its members to participate fully in the industrial action, signaling their commitment to fighting for their rights until the government addresses their concerns.
Both unions have made it clear that they are not willing to back down until their demands are met. TEWU, in particular, has emphasized the importance of addressing these outstanding issues to ensure a dignified retirement for its members. The union argues that without proper implementation of the agreed-upon allowances and deductions, its members will continue to face unnecessary financial hardships, which could have long-term consequences on their ability to retire comfortably.
Furthermore, the unions have warned that the strike could lead to significant disruptions in the academic calendar if the government does not take immediate steps to resolve the situation. Public universities in Ghana rely heavily on the contributions of senior staff and educational workers to maintain their operations, and any prolonged absence of these workers could have a ripple effect on students, faculty, and the broader academic community.
As the strike continues, both TEWU and SSA-UoG are calling on the government to take their concerns seriously and work toward a resolution that benefits all parties involved. They believe that through meaningful dialogue and a genuine commitment to fulfilling past agreements, the government can help restore trust and ensure a more stable working environment for its employees.
The nationwide strike serves as a reminder of the critical role that unions play in advocating for workers’ rights and ensuring that their voices are heard. TEWU and SSA-UoG remain steadfast in their demands, and as the strike progresses, all eyes will be on the government to see how it responds to the growing labor unrest. The unions have made it clear that they are prepared to continue the strike for as long as it takes to achieve their goals, and they are urging their members to remain united in the fight for better working conditions.
In the meantime, the government faces increasing pressure to address the unions’ demands and bring an end to the strike. Failure to do so could result in further disruptions to the country’s education system, as well as growing dissatisfaction among workers in other sectors who may also feel that their concerns are not being adequately addressed. The outcome of this strike will likely set the tone for future labor relations in Ghana, making it a pivotal moment for both the unions and the government.
