GAUA Calls Off Strike: Govt Addresses 80% of Grievances

• The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) and the Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG) have suspended their strike.
• Approximately 80 percent of the associations' grievances have been addressed through government engagements.
• Members of both associations are scheduled to resume work today while negotiations continue on remaining issues.
• Key resolved issues include market premium and retirement rollover, with a 40% allowance also seeing progress.
• Outstanding matters have been referred to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission for further negotiation.

Rev. Amoah emphasized that achieving a "100 percent resolution" was not a prerequisite for returning to work, expressing confidence that the remaining issues would be settled through continued engagement with the government.

The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) and the Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG) have announced the suspension of their industrial action. This decision follows successful engagements with the government, which have reportedly addressed approximately 80 percent of the concerns initially raised by the two administrative bodies. As a direct result of this development, members of both associations are expected to return to their duties immediately, with work resuming today.

The resolution to call off the strike was reached after separate meetings held by the National Executive Committees of GAUA and TUSAAG. These committees convened to thoroughly assess the progress made in addressing the issues that had prompted the industrial action. While a significant portion of their demands has been met, both associations confirmed that negotiations will continue regarding the remaining outstanding matters.

The initial industrial action stemmed from a range of critical grievances impacting university administrators. These included disputes over market premium payments, concerns regarding wrongful placement within the Single Spine Salary Structure, and the demand for a negotiated 40 percent allowance specifically for professionals employed in technical and public universities. Other significant issues involved the extension of the retirement rollover, unresolved "fifth-year issues," and the payment of a one-off research allowance.

Reverend Kwaku Karikari Amoah, the National President of GAUA, confirmed that the government has responded favorably to the issue concerning the market premium. Furthermore, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, operating under the purview of the Ministry of Education, has successfully resolved the concerns related to the retirement rollover. Progress has also been made on the proposed 40 percent allowance for professionals, indicating a positive step towards meeting this demand.

Despite the significant progress, several matters remain unresolved and are subject to ongoing discussions. Reverend Amoah indicated that these outstanding issues have been formally referred to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission for further negotiation and resolution. This referral underscores the commitment of both parties to continue dialogue until all grievances are satisfactorily addressed.

The decision by GAUA and TUSAAG to suspend their strike was made in good faith, according to Rev. Amoah. He acknowledged the crucial interventions made by the Ministers of Education and Finance, alongside other key stakeholders, in facilitating the progress achieved. Furthermore, the associations took into account the broader impact of their industrial action on students, parents, and the overall academic calendar, demonstrating a consideration for the wider educational ecosystem. Rev. Amoah emphasized that achieving a "100 percent resolution" was not a prerequisite for returning to work, expressing confidence that the remaining issues would be settled through continued engagement with the government.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times