The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has called on government and other stakeholders to be even-handed in resolving labour disputes to avert the complete closure of Public Universities.

According to the Association, although there have actions geared towards resolving the impasse, it was optimistic in government addressing the issues raised by the universities.

Contained in a statement signed by the National President of GAUA, Mr Kwabena Antwi-Konadu, it further expressed concern about the recent spate of labour unrests in some Public Universities.

“We understand certain gestures have been offered at the negotiations to resolve the impasse, and wish to serve notice that GAUA is equally affected by the worsening conditions of service and hope government will equally respond by addressing our needs placed on the table of negotiation as well, before concluding negotiations with our sister Unions.

“In resolving these issues, government should be mindful of fairness to all categories of staff in the Universities. Failure to resolve these issues fairly will escalate the already turbulent labour front in the Universities”.
Kwabena Antwi-Konadu

Resolving inherent challenges of universities

Additionally, the statement explained that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission would be guided by the 2012 National Labour Commission Arbitration ruling on relativity and parity in the conditions of service for senior members.

Similarly, it disclosed that the conditions of service for the other categories of staff at the public universities must be addressed.

Buttressing its demands, GAUA appealed to government to deal with all issues of the four unions to prevent a situation where each union would embark on an industrial action separately.

Touching on recent migration of Public Universities to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department’s Payroll Platform, the Association noted that such issues of migration of Public Universities could have been resolved amicably without disturbing the otherwise smooth running of the Universities.

“GAUA is therefore appealing to all Sector Ministers and their assigns in the negotiations to as a matter of urgency and importance. Resolve these issues which are the cause of the disruption of the already challenged academic calendar as a result of Covid-19 and its related impact on the Universities”.
Kwabena Antwi-Konadu

Bear the consequences of an unstable labour environment

Prior to this, Minority Leader in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, had predicted more strikes and other industrial actions in the months ahead.

This, he explained, will significantly impact the economy.

Mr Iddrisu revealed that the government’s decision to increase the salary of public sector workers by only 4% has contributed to the instability on the labour front.

“The public sector workers of Ghana can have no smiles into 2022. When inflation is at 8% or 9%, the appropriate thing to do in terms of minimum wage negotiation is to place the wage increase not above inflation.

“So, if you say inflation is 8% or 9%, increase the wages by just 8% or 9%, that is the best practice and that has been the practice”.
Haruna Iddrisu

Furthermore, he noted that it’s no surprise that UTAG and other university staffs have embarked on a strike action. As such, more of such should be expected to follow subsequently.

“Going into the future, we should be ready to bear the consequences of an unstable labour environment, which is likely to be characterised by protests, and strike actions which ultimately, will affect the productivity of our country”.
Haruna Iddrisu