The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has suspended its indefinite strike action following what it described as constructive engagements with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and other stakeholders.
The industrial action, which began on 19th September 2025, involved thousands of staff across the Ghana Education Service, Public and Technical Universities, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, and the Ghana Library Authority.
The decision to suspend the strike was formally announced on Wednesday, 1st October, after almost two weeks of disruption across multiple sectors of the education and cultural institutions.
TEWU said the move followed a crucial meeting held on 29th September with the FWSC, representatives of employer institutions, and other key actors. That meeting was convened after the strike drew the attention of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Jobs, as well as the National Labour Commission, both of which urged swift resolution of the union’s grievances.
According to TEWU’s General Secretary, King James Azortibah, the union described the negotiations as highly constructive, noting that all parties agreed to work together toward a peaceful and fair settlement.
“The meeting was very constructive,” TEWU’s General Secretary said, adding that both the FWSC and employer institutions had made commitments that could pave the way for an amicable resolution of all outstanding issues.
October 7 Negotiations
A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, 7th October 2025, to conclude the negotiations and sign the necessary agreements. Based on these developments, TEWU declared that it was suspending—not ending—its indefinite strike, effective Wednesday, 1st October.
Members have been instructed to resume work from Thursday, 2nd October, while those who travelled outside their duty stations are expected to return by Monday, 6th October. The union emphasized, however, that the strike could be reactivated if commitments are not honoured by government and relevant agencies.
“In view of these positive developments, TEWU has decided to suspend the indefinite strike with effect from Wednesday, 1st October 2025, to allow for further discussions and the implementation of the agreed terms”.
TEWU’s General Secretary, King James Azortibah
Even as it suspended the action, TEWU cautioned against any form of reprisals against its members for their participation in the strike. The leadership warned that the union would not hesitate to defend any member subjected to victimisation or unfair labour practices during or after the industrial action.
TEWU also expressed appreciation to heads of institutions and management teams who demonstrated understanding during the strike. According to the union, the support shown by leaders of educational and cultural institutions reflected a shared commitment to improving conditions for workers and delivering quality education.
It equally commended its members, executives, monitoring teams, and the media for their steadfast backing throughout the nine-day action. The suspended strike followed months of frustration within TEWU ranks over delays in concluding and signing their Conditions of Service.
The union had accused the FWSC of failing to act in good faith, which, it said, left its members feeling neglected despite their crucial role in sustaining the education system. The September strike action was, therefore, seen by union leaders as a last resort to compel the government to fast-track negotiations.
The effects of the strike were felt nationwide, with disruptions reported in universities, technical institutions, libraries, and museums. Non-teaching staff in particular had withdrawn their services, affecting administration, security, maintenance, and support services in various institutions.
With the suspension now in place, expectations are high ahead of the scheduled 7th October meeting. TEWU has indicated that it will be monitoring the progress of negotiations closely and will not hesitate to revive the strike if the FWSC or employer institutions fail to honour their commitments.
The union, however, also signalled its willingness to continue engaging government lawfully and constructively. “TEWU reaffirms its commitment to lawful and constructive engagement with government while continuing to advocate for improved conditions of service for its members,” TEWU’s General Secretary, King James Azortibah, concluded.
Whether the positive momentum achieved during the recent negotiations will translate into concrete outcomes remains to be seen ahead of the outcome of the October 7th meeting.
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