SSA-UoG, FUSSAG and TEWU to Strike on August 9

The Senior Staff Association-Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Federation of Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG), and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union of Trade Union Congress (TEWU-TUC) have announced their intention to commence industrial action on August 9, 2024.

This decision comes after multiple attempts to resolve disputes regarding the Vehicle Maintenance Allowance (VMA) and other related allowances with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance.

On June 10, 2024, the unions notified the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission of their impending industrial action if the grievances were not addressed by June 21, 2024. Following this, the National Labour Commission facilitated a hearing on June 19, 2024, which resulted in directives for further engagement and reporting by June 26, 2024. Despite subsequent discussions and an agreement, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission’s recommendation for payment has not been actioned by the Ministry of Finance.

According to the unions, while universities on government subvention have received their payments and arrears, those directly on the Controller and Accountant General’s Payroll have not. Further complicating the issue, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has instructed universities to halt payments at the new rate until the Ministry of Finance authorizes it, potentially leading to disparities in compensation.

The unions have accused the government of employing “Machiavellian tactics” to withhold agreed allowances and have given the Ministry of Finance until the close of business on August 8, 2024, to issue the necessary authorization. Failure to comply will result in the planned strike on August 9, 2024.

“The SSA-UoG, FUSSAG, and TEWU (TUC) are committed to fighting for the rights of their members and will not rest until justice is served,” the unions asserted in their statement.