Government to Hold Crucial Meeting with Striking Tertiary Workers on February 1

As the strike by tertiary workers continues, the government has taken a step towards resolution by scheduling a meeting with the striking members on Thursday, February 1, 2024. The meeting aims to address the concerns that prompted the industrial action, primarily focusing on the delayed tier 2 pensions with compound interest and improved conditions of service.

The striking workers, represented by the Senior Staff, Teachers, and Educational Workers Union, along with the Ghana Association of University Administrators of the University of Ghana, are steadfast in their demands for the payment of delayed pensions and better terms of service.

Chairman of the Legon branch of the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), Ken Botchway, expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting, considering it a positive development. He mentioned that they would meet with the Minister for Labour Employment and Pensions on February 1, and the outcome of the meeting would be communicated to the media.

During a meeting on Monday, January 29, 2024, to update members on the progress of the industrial action, Mr. Botchway acknowledged some headway on issues related to their conditions of service. However, he highlighted that matters concerning the calculation of pensions, particularly the use of compound interest instead of simple interest, remained problematic and would be a key focus during the meeting on February 1.

“The government is supposed to use compound interest, not simple interest. If the government uses simple interest, pensioners will be at a disadvantage,” he explained.

In the midst of these developments, the Senior Staff Association of Public Universities reiterated that their strike continues, despite the National Labour Commission’s directive to suspend it. The Association’s leadership emphasized the need for further discussions with their members before making any decision to unilaterally end the strike, prioritizing the interests of their members over haste in reaching unfavorable decisions.