Members of the Tertiary Education Workers Union (TEWU) have commenced an indefinite strike from today, February 1, 2024.
The decision comes as a response to the government’s alleged failure to address a range of concerns, including welfare needs, Tier-two pension funds, vehicle maintenance allowance, and overtime allowance.
Various services provided by TEWU members, such as cleaning the environment, setting up classrooms, providing security, and hospital services, have been withdrawn as part of the industrial action. The National Chairman of TEWU, Sulemana Abdul-Rahman, emphasized that the strike will persist until their grievances are effectively addressed by the government.
“On the lackadaisical nature of the employer, which is the government of Ghana, to address the challenges and problems of TEWU members in the traditional public universities, the TEWU of Ghana hereby declares an indefinite strike, and the strike takes effect on 1st February, which is Thursday, until further notice,” declared Abdul-Rahman.
The union’s decision reflects the frustration among its members, who feel that their concerns have been overlooked, prompting this bold move to seek resolution. The indefinite strike is expected to impact various aspects of tertiary education services, creating urgency for authorities to engage with TEWU and address the underlying issues.
As the strike unfolds, stakeholders, including the government, are urged to initiate constructive dialogue to find a mutually agreeable solution, ensuring the resumption of essential services in the tertiary education sector.
The duration and impact of the strike will depend on the responsiveness of the government to the concerns raised by TEWU.