GAUA calls off strike as govt addresses 80% of grievances

The Ghana Association of University Administrators and the Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana have mutually agreed to cease their industrial action. Approximately 80 percent of their disputed issues have been resolved through fruitful discussions with the government. The groups' representatives will return to their duties starting today, while remaining talks focus on the remaining unresolved matters.

This decision emerged from individual meetings of the associations' National Executive Committees, aimed at reviewing the progress made in addressing the grievances that triggered the strike. Key concerns included market premium, placement on the Single Spine Salary Structure, a 40 percent allowance for professionals in technical and public universities, extension of the retirement rollover, a fifth-year allowance, and a one-time research allowance payment.

Reverend Kwaku Karikari Amoah, GAUA's National President, stated that the government demonstrated a constructive attitude towards addressing the market premium issue. Additionally, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, via the Ministry of Education, has taken steps to resolve concerns related to the retirement rollover. Work has also been conducted on the proposed 40 percent allowance for professionals, and other outstanding matters have been forwarded to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission for further deliberations.

Rev. Amoah emphasized that the strike suspension was made in good faith, acknowledging the interventions of the Ministers of Education and Finance, as well as other stakeholders. He also acknowledged the implications of the industrial action on students, parents, and the academic schedule. "We are not asserting that we require complete resolution before returning to our offices," Rev.

Amoah said, expressing optimism that the remaining issues would be addressed through ongoing talks with the government.