TEWU to embark on strike today

It said the strike had become necessary as a result of feet dragging by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on the payment of the arrears despite several reminders by the National Labour Commission (NLC).

The Greater Accra Regional Vice-Chairman of the TEWU, Mr Augustine Saakuukarbo, told the Daily Graphic on the sidelines of the handover ceremony of the University Students Association of Ghana (USAG) held in Accra last Saturday.

According to him, all the increment, credits and other benefits that TEWU members used to enjoy had been withdrawn since the introduction of the SSSS.

He said despite the number of meetings they had had with the commission, none of the issues had been resolved.

“Our placement on the SSSS has worsened our situation miserably and most of the junior staff feel disadvantaged because they are not given the needed attention,” he said.

A Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Murtala Mohammed, told the Daily Graphic in a separate interview that the government was aware of the problem and would institute measures to address TEWU’s demands.

He urged the union to exercise restraint and added that dialogue was the best option to solve any problem.

Addressing stakeholders at the swearing-in ceremony earlier, Mr Laud Kpakpo Addo, the outgoing USAG President, called on the new executive to work in the interest of all students.

Miss Jassaw Latifa, who was sworn in at the ceremony as the new President of USAG, promised to work hard to the expectation of members, adding that the executive would address the grievances of all using advocacy.

She also pleaded with TEWU to reconsider its decision because any industrial action would affect academic activities.

By Alima Awudu/Daily Graphic/Ghana