Members of the KNUST chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana have heeded their leadership’s call to embark on a nationwide strike. The primary grievances leading to this industrial action include concerns over the payment of tier two pensions and issues related to their overtime allowance, among other pressing matters.
The striking members, withdrawing services such as security, health, and administration, took to the streets of the campus to raise awareness about their cause. Engaging in a procession and chanting war songs, they visited various offices to ensure strict compliance with the strike directive among their members.
Kwadwo Bediako-Baryeh, the secretary of the group, emphasized that the strike will persist until all their concerns are adequately addressed. This action, however, resulted in frustration for individuals seeking services from the striking members.
In solidarity with the cause, the Senior Staff Association of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) is also adhering to the directive for a nationwide strike. Their reasons include the non-payment of overtime allowances by the University of Cape Coast and the non-payment of Tier 2 allowances to fund managers.
The Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of the University of Cape Coast, Sandy Kumi-Sinatra, urged members to lay down their tools indefinitely until management addresses their grievances.
Furthermore, the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana at the University for Development Studies (UDS-SSA-UoG) has officially declared an indefinite strike action, commencing on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Their decision is a response to the government’s alleged persistent disregard for the welfare of senior staff in universities, particularly concerning critical issues related to pensions and conditions of service outlined in the Labor Act (Act, 2003), ACT 651.
The senior staff chairman at UDS, Zakaria Mohammed, highlighted that their decision to strike is a direct response to the government’s refusal to address their demands, and they hold the government accountable for any consequences resulting from the strike action.