The Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Federation of Senior Staff Associations of Ghana (FUSSAG), and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union of the Trade Union Congress (TEWU-TUC) have declared their intention to strike on August 9, 2024, if their demands regarding unpaid allowances are not addressed by the government.
In a joint statement, the unions reminded that they had informed the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission of Ghana about their concerns over the Vehicle Maintenance Allowance (VMA) and other allowances on June 10, 2024. They had warned of potential industrial action if these issues were not resolved by June 21, 2024.
After a June 19, 2024, hearing with the National Labour Commission, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission reached an agreement with the unions, which included signing an addendum. The Commission subsequently requested the Ministry of Finance to release the necessary funds. However, the Ministry has yet to issue the required authorization letter, despite ongoing efforts by the unions.
Universities receiving government subventions have received payments, including arrears, but those on the Controller and Accountant General’s payroll have not. Additionally, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has instructed universities to withhold payment of the new rate until the Ministry provides the authorization letter, leading to delays even for institutions that were supposed to be receiving the updated rate.
The unions have accused the government of using manipulative tactics to withhold their agreed allowances and have given the Ministry of Finance a deadline until the end of business on August 8, 2024, to issue the authorization letter. If this deadline is not met, the unions will commence their industrial action the next day.
The statement concluded, “The SSA-UoG, FUSSAG, and TEWU (TUC) are dedicated to defending our members' rights and will continue to advocate until justice is achieved.”
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