TEWU Gives GES, Universities Two Weeks to Address Staff Grievances

The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) has issued a two-week ultimatum to stakeholders to resolve what it terms the unfair treatment of its members across various educational institutions in Ghana. The union cited discrimination, delays in salary payments, unfair labor practices, inadequate recognition, limited career progression, and poor working conditions as ongoing issues faced by non-teaching staff.

TEWU emphasized that these practices violate the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), and stressed the integral role of non-teaching staff in Ghana's education system. The union presented eight key demands aimed at rectifying the situation. These include the immediate payment of all outstanding overtime allowances owed to watchmen and security personnel, some of which have accumulated over several years.

Furthermore, TEWU called for the decoupling of ranks from positions to facilitate promotions for non-teaching staff. The union specifically urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) management to formally enrich the decoupling of the Chief grade rank from positional appointments, reclassifying it as a substantive, non-encumbered grade. Promotions from Chief II to Chief grade should be based on clear eligibility, merit, a minimum of four years at the Chief II grade, satisfactory performance, and a successful interview or examination.

Other demands encompass the implementation and payment of responsibility allowances for Unit Heads within the GES, the enforcement of conditions of service for members, and the urgent hiring of additional non-teaching staff to bolster the education sector's workforce. TEWU also seeks the implementation of an agreed five percent operational allowance for eligible junior staff and the payment of all related arrears from February to July. The union further insisted on the restoration and protection of its representatives on university and college governing councils, demanding an end to discrimination and greater investment in the welfare of non-teaching staff.

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We urge GES Management to formally enrich the decoupling grade rank from position, such that the Chief grade within the GES is fully decoupled from positional appointments and reclassified as a substantive, non-encumbered grade