King James Azortibah
The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress, Ghana (TUC) has strongly condemned what it describes as reckless and misleading joint press release issued by the Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU-GH) and the Technical University Workers Association of Ghana (TUWAG) following its strike action.
A letter signed by TEWU-TUC-Ghana’s General Secretary, King James Azortibah, described the statement as a brazen attempt to sow confusion among junior staff in the public and technical universities.
“Let it be placed on record, these groups are breakaway factions with no legal mandate, no bargaining certificate, and no moral authority to speak on behalf of our members. Their actions are nothing but a desperate bid to mislead workers and undermine the legitimate struggle for better conditions of service,” the letter indicated.
Mr. Azortibah said for over 65 years, TEWU of TUC has been the sole, legally recognised and internationally respected union for junior staff in all public and technical universities, “with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) signing the Rules of Engagement only with TEWU of TUC (Ghana) — not with TEWU-GH, TUWAG, or any other faction. This is undisputed fact.”
“We issue this clear and uncompromising directive to all Junior Staff. Do not be deceived. Do not be used as pawns by these illegitimate groups.
“Your salaries, your working conditions, and your future are protected only under the authority of TEWU of TUC (Ghana). Any attempt to follow the misleading advice of these breakaway groups will only jeopardise your hard-won rights,” it stated.
Justifying its strikes, TEWU of TUC, Ghana said it has fully complied with every provision of the Labour Act in declaring the current strike.
“The action is legal, justified, and binding on all members. We will not allow a few opportunists to sabotage the collective struggle of thousands of workers who deserve nothing less than justice and dignity at the workplace,” it said.
The Union, therefore, called on all junior staff in public and technical universities to stand solidly with TEWU of TUC (Ghana), fully participate in the ongoing strike action, ignore and reject with contempt any statements from TEWU-GH, TUWAG, or any other usurpers.
“This strike is about your welfare, your future, and your dignity. Let us remain united, resolute, and unyielding until our legitimate demands are met,” it added in the statement issued yesterday.
A Daily Guide Report