On August 9, university worker unions threaten to go on strike over unpaid allowances.
On August 9, university worker unions threaten to go on strike over unpaid allowances.
In the event that their demands regarding unpaid allowances are not met by the government, the Senior Staff Association-Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Federation of Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG), and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union of Trade Union Congress (TEWU-TUC) have announced their intention to begin industrial action on August 9, 2024.
The unions noted in a joint press release that they had filed their concerns with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission of Ghana on June 10, 2024, with regard to the Vehicle Maintenance Allowance (VMA) and other related allowances. They vowed to take industrial action on June 21, 2024, if these issues were not remedied.
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The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission held negotiations with the unions after the National Labour Commission’s hearing on June 19, 2024, which led to the signing of an agreement and an addendum. The Commission then requested in writing that the Ministry of Finance release the cash so that they could be paid. Nevertheless, despite the unions’ repeated requests, the Ministry has not yet provided the required letter of authorization.
While universities directly paid by the Controller and Accountant General have not received payments, including arrears, those on government subsidies have. Even for individuals who were receiving the new rate, there will be delays as a result of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s directive to universities not to pay the new rate until the Ministry publishes the authorization letter.
The government is accused by the unions of using Machiavellian methods to withhold their agreed-upon allowances. The unions have given the Ministry of Finance until August 8, 2024, at the latest, at the close of business, to release the authorization letter. The unions will start industrial action the next day if they don’t comply.
The statement said, “The SSA-UoG, FUSSAG, and TEWU (TUC) are committed to fighting for our members’ rights and will not rest until justice is served.”
