The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) has called on government to facilitate the implementation of the reviewed conditions of service.
In a statement signed by the General Secretary of the Union, Mr Mark Dankyira Korankye, it explained some apprehension over delay in the process.
“We must state that the outbreak of Covid-19 has stretched workers all over to their limits; and any attempt to prevent them from enjoying what their national leaders have secured for them under the reviewed conditions of service, will provoke anger and create tensions on the labour front.”
Additionally, the Union called on the National Tripartite Committee to expedite the process of its 2021 review of salary.
According to the Union, this has become necessary due to the increase in the prices of goods and services. It further intimated that, despite the hike in prices, salaries remained the same.
It further insisted some pronouncement on actions to be taken will make members “feel some economic relief”.
Condition of services
The Union further assured its members of bringing finality to issues concerning conditions of service soon.
“… it is the view of TEWU national leadership that, government agencies concerned will respect the outcome to sustain industrial harmony in our tertiary institutions”.
Additionally, the union called on the Education Minister to expedite payment process for members under the Professional Development Allowance. It noted that, this will help resolve the issue of allowances for non-teaching staff.
“It is the expectation of TEWU leadership that all the bottlenecks on promotions and upgrade in the GES will be removed so that deserving members can be promoted and upgraded.”
TEWU commends Ghanaian workers
The Union urged government and related agencies to not do anything against the interest of workers Unions. It further averred that, they should not disrupt the industrial harmony in the country, despite the pandemic.
The Union maintained that, well-motivated workforce guaranteed quality service delivery and enhanced productivity.
It further advised the public to ensure complete adherence to the COVID-19 protocols to stop the spread of the virus.
“On this day for workers solidarity; we commend Ghanaian workers for going all length to sustain national development efforts in the past years”.
The Union, has in the past, threatened to strike over unfair conditions meted out to its members. To register their displeasure, they threatened a nationwide strike on January 13, 2021.
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, it revealed, failed to conclude on negotiation of their demand for better conditions of service.
Speaking in an interview then, the Local Union Chairman at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Charles Arthur opined that, for “every public university, the members of TEWU will embark on a strike come Wednesday.”