The Executive Secretary of the National Labour Commission (NLC), Ofosu Asamoah, has voiced criticism against the current strike undertaken by labour unions in the educational sector, deeming their actions ‘unjustified' and ‘unnecessary.' Mr. Ofosu asserted that the decision to go on strike was impulsive, especially considering that negotiations with the Commission were still in progress.
In an interview with Citi FM on Wednesday, January 31, Mr Ofosu expressed concern about the increasing misuse of strikes as a tool by labour unions. He questioned the rationale behind the strike when ongoing efforts were being made to engage with the unions on their concerns. He emphasized that agreements had been reached between the parties involved, and going on strike seemed unjustifiable.
“It's quite an unfortunate situation. It's like, at the moment, the strike is becoming a tool that is being misused. I failed to find the legs on which they were standing to declare the strike and close all universities. As if they just want to close it for fun. Their strike is unmeritorious, it's needless,” he stated.
Mr Ofosu characterized the actions of the labour unions as ‘incorrect' and unlawful. The ongoing strike involves the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana, the Federation of Universities Senior Staff (FUSSAG), the Teachers and Educational Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU), and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA). These unions have raised concerns about the government's alleged neglect of their welfare needs, including Tier-2 pension funds, vehicle maintenance allowance, and overtime allowance.
Despite the grievances, the National Labour Commission (NLC) is urging the unions to cease their strike actions and resume negotiations.