University for Development Studies (UDS) branches of the Senior Staff Association, the Federation of Senior Staff Associations, and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) under the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have commenced an indefinite strike effective Monday to protest unresolved conditions of service. The action follows months of grievances over unpaid overtime allowances and delayed pension contributions.
Northern Regional Chairperson of the Senior Staff Association of Ghana, Faidatu Alhassan, stated that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has failed to honor a 2021 agreement recognizing overtime allowances for senior university staff. Instead, universities have introduced call allowances that fall significantly below agreed rates, effectively undermining collective agreements.
The unions contend that staff members have consistently been denied overtime compensation despite clear contractual provisions, leaving many workers financially strained. Alhassan emphasized that the replacement allowance does not reflect actual hours staff dedicate to their duties.
Beyond allowance disputes, union members expressed serious concerns about Tier 2 pension contributions. Alhassan revealed that deductions covering four to five months have been withheld from salaries but have not been transferred to designated fund managers. The unions fear this delay could jeopardize workers’ retirement benefits and reduce access to full pensions upon retirement.
Northern Regional Chairman of TEWU, Asanpana Emmanuel, confirmed the strike aims to compel authorities to act swiftly and responsibly. He stressed that while unions remain open to dialogue, members will not return to work until demands are addressed and outstanding funds released.
The strike affects multiple public universities including the University of Ghana, University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), and UDS. The unions are also demanding payment of four years of salary arrears following the upgrade of the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), Ghana Institute of Languages (GIL), and Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) into the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC).
Emmanuel called on government to ensure full compliance with agreed conditions of service to restore confidence among workers and prevent further disruptions to university operations.
