The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has urged government to engage labour unions in the country over their conditions of service.

According to the Union, students will be the ultimate victims should the “simmering tension” between government and labour unions persist. It appealed to the teachers’ unions to act in good faith and consider the welfare of students in all dialogues aimed at addressing their concerns.

“We are minded of the Akan adage that ‘when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers’… Against this backdrop, we call on government to expeditiously engage with the labour unions as part of efforts in addressing their concerns. This is imperative in averting further disruptions to the academic calendar.”
National Union of Ghana Students

Contained in a press statement signed by the President of NUGS, Dennis Appiah-Larbi Ampofo, it noted that the creation and maintenance of an enabling environment which engenders productivity and protect the welfare of the labour front remains the responsibility of government, particularly in the education sector.

NUGS highlighted that this is essential in promoting teaching, extra-curricular activities and safeguarding learning outcomes.

“We are not oblivious of global challenges that have adversely impacted many nations. However, our paramount priority remains the protection of the interest of the Ghanaian student. In this regard, we expect government to embark on all necessary managerial steps intended to amicably resolve this impasse.”
National Union of Ghana Students

Teachers charged to be flexible in negotiation

The student body called on the striking teachers “not to have a non-negotiable position” in the matter given the adverse effect of a protracted strike action on academic life. In view of prevailing economic challenges, NUGS emphasized that a common ground is needed as Ghanaians collectively pull the “country out of the trenches”.

NUGS further advised parties involved to put “equity, reasonability and nationalism” first. Nonetheless, it stated that while the ten million students in the country are very cooperative, their “patience has a gauge”.

“Our assurances remain with both parties. We will be available to support in the solution process but will not hesitate to speak freely and boldly on any action or inaction that portends a negative implication for students’ interest.”
National Union of Ghana Students

Meanwhile, the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana, has called on government to pay all public sector workers the Cost-Of-Living Allowance (COLA) in order to avert further industrial actions.

A statement signed by the Union’s National Public Relations Officer, John Agbenyeavu, indicated that they are “surprised at the laxity with which the welfare of Nurses and Midwives have been handled within these hard economic times”.

Leadership of the Union made reference to a similar situation in 2014, when the country was faced with economic hardship and as a result, a COLA of 10% of the basic salary of public sector workers was introduced to cushion them. The union expressed that being faced with a similar situation, it “expected nothing short of a similar stop gap measure to cushion the Nurses and Midwives in the country”.

“We, the members of the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG) are equally calling on the government to as a matter of urgency, introduce at least 20% of our basic salaries as COLA while we wait for the managers of the economy to turn things around.”
Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives