Accra: The Teachers and Educational Workers' Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress has issued a stern ultimatum to the Ghanaian government, demanding immediate action on longstanding grievances concerning the treatment of non-teaching staff in the country's education sector. The union has highlighted issues of delayed payments and poor working conditions, which they argue indicate persistent neglect and unfair treatment of these crucial workers.
According to Ghana Web, TEWU has called attention to the challenges faced by non-teaching workers within the Ghana Education Service (GES), as well as public and technical universities and other educational institutions. These employees reportedly endure delayed payments, unfair labor practices, limited career advancement opportunities, inadequate recognition, and subpar working conditions. In response, TEWU has submitted a list of eight key demands and set a two-week deadline for stakeholders to address these concerns.
The union's demands include the immediate payment of overdue overtime allowances to GES watchmen and security personnel, resolution of promotion and career progression issues, and the implementation of responsibility allowances for unit heads. TEWU has explicitly addressed its notice to several key stakeholders, including the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Education, GTEC, university management, and GES Management, emphasizing the urgency of their concerns.
TEWU's statement underscores the importance of fair treatment and recognition for non-teaching staff, who play a vital role in Ghana's education system. The union has also called for the full implementation of its Conditions of Service, increased recruitment of non-teaching staff, and the payment of six months' arrears on the 5% operational allowance for eligible junior staff in public and technical universities and other institutions.
Additionally, TEWU is advocating for the protection of its representation on University and College of Education Governing Councils and an end to perceived discrimination against non-teaching staff. The union warns that if their demands are not met within the specified timeframe, its members may be forced to take unspecified actions.
In their concluding remarks, TEWU emphasized that non-teaching staff are an integral part of Ghana's education system and must not be treated as an afterthought. The union's ultimatum marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for workers' rights and recognition within the country's educational institutions.