NLC DIRECTS STRIKING UNIVERSITY STAFF UNIONS TO RESUME WORK IMMEDIATELY

The National Labour Commission (NLC) has instructed the striking university staff unions, including the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), to immediately end their industrial action and return to work.

According to the NLC, the ongoing strikes are in violation of Section 127(3) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which prohibits strikes during active negotiations. The Commission emphasized that since talks between the unions and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) are still ongoing, the strike actions are illegal.

As a result, the NLC has summoned the leadership of SSA-UoG to appear before the Commission to discuss the matter further and urged the union to comply with the directive without delay.

In a separate development, UTAG has also been ordered to call off its strike. This follows a meeting between the NLC and representatives of UTAG, where it was agreed that further discussions were necessary to address concerns over payment terms and other related issues. The NLC stressed the importance of continued dialogue and urged UTAG to demonstrate good faith by returning to work while negotiations proceed.

Despite the NLC's directive, some staff unions have voiced their dissatisfaction. The Senior Staff Association of Public Universities, for example, has insisted that their strike will continue, stating that any decision to call off the action must be made in consultation with their members.

The NLC reiterated the need for all parties to resolve disputes through legal and peaceful means, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and collaboration to address the grievances of university staff. The Commission continues to advocate for a return to the negotiating table to ensure lasting solutions to the issues at hand.