The Senior Staff Association-Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Associations of Ghana (FUSSAG), and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union of the Trade Union Congress (TEWU-TUC) have called off their planned industrial action scheduled for August 9th, 2024.
The leadership of the three tertiary workers unions, in a joint statement, pointed out that the decision follows the government’s intervention to extend the upward adjustment in the Vehicle Maintenance Allowance (VMA) to their members.
“We believe that this action is a step in the right direction towards fairness and equity in line with our agreed conditions of service”, the statment read.
The leadership of the three unions expressed their satisfaction with the government’s move, describing it as a significant step towards fairness and equity in their conditions of service.
The unions had previously indicated their intention to strike in response to grievances over the Vehicle Maintenance Allowance, which they argued was inadequate and unfairly distributed.
The unions thus indicated that the government’s decision to restore the VMA to the affected members was the result of extensive negotiations between the unions and the relevant authorities.
The unions praised the Government for this intervention, acknowledging it as a positive development that demonstrates a genuine commitment to addressing their concerns.
“We are satisfied that the VMA has been restored to our members, and we believe that this decision demonstrates a willingness to work with us to resolve all outstanding issues”.
George Ansong, National Chairman SSA-UoG; Ken Puoticre Yelibe, National Chairman -FUSSAC and King James Azurtibalı, General Secretary TEWU -TUC
However, while the unions welcomed the government’s move, they also appealed for a further extension of the adjustment to all categories of Senior Staff in Public Universities across Ghana, without any eligibility restrictions.
The unions argued that all members, regardless of rank, contribute significantly to the operations and advancement of public universities and should equally benefit from the allowance adjustment.
“It is only fair that all members benefit from this adjustment, regardless of their rank. We believe that all members of our esteemed Association commute to work to perform their official duties for the collective advancement of Public Universities in Ghana”.
George Ansong, National Chairman SSA-UoG; Ken Puoticre Yelibe, National Chairman -FUSSAC and King James Azurtibalı, General Secretary TEWU -TUC
Commitment to Further Engagement
The three unions reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to resolve any remaining issues affecting their working conditions.
They assured their members of continued advocacy and engagement to ensure that their concerns are adequately addressed.
“We would like to assure our members that we will continue to engage with the Government and other stakeholders to address all outstanding issues that affect our working conditions. We are committed to working together to build a better future for Public Universities in Ghana”.
George Ansong, National Chairman SSA-UoG; Ken Puoticre Yelibe, National Chairman -FUSSAC and King James Azurtibalı, General Secretary TEWU -TUC
The leadership of SSA-UoG, FUSSAG, and TEWU-TUC also expressed gratitude to their members for their understanding and support throughout the negotiation process.
They called on members to meet the decision with enthusiasm and to remain united as they continue their efforts to improve working conditions within public universities.
In addition, the unions extended their appreciation to the media for their professionalism in covering the unions’ activities and ensuring that their message was effectively communicated to the public.
The statement was signed by George Ansong, National Chairman of SSA-UoG; Ken Puoticre Yelibe, National Chairman of FUSSAG; and King James Azurtibali, General Secretary of TEWU-TUC.
With the industrial action averted, the leadership of three unions emphasized that they are keen to ensure that the government’s commitments are fulfilled and that all categories of senior staff in public universities receive the support and allowances they rightfully deserve.
