The National Labour Commission (NLC) has directed three university staff unions to immediately call off their strike action, citing violations of Ghana’s Labour Act. Apexnewsgh reports
The unions, which include the Senior Staff Association – Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Technical University Administrators Association of Ghana (TUAAG), and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSSAG), had embarked on an indefinite strike over alleged non-implementation of agreed conditions of service.
In a letter dated May 21, 2025, the NLC invoked Section 139(1)(d) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), ordering the unions to end their industrial action. The directive follows a notice of intention to strike served on the Commission on May 12. Despite the NLC’s intervention and directive to stay the strike, the unions defied the order and proceeded with industrial action.
The NLC cited a press release by the unions, also dated May 21, announcing the indefinite strike in protest of what they described as the government’s continued breach of the agreement. The agreement between the unions and the government was signed on November 12, 2024.
As a result of the unions’ defiance, the NLC has declined to hear the matter further, invoking Section 161 of the Labour Act. This section states that a matter cannot be entertained if parties are engaged in illegal strike actions. The NLC has advised the unions to call off the strike and formally notify the Commission before any further steps can be taken.
The NLC’s directive is clear: the unions must call off the strike and comply with the Labour Act. The Commission’s decision highlights the importance of adhering to the law and negotiating in good faith. The unions must now decide whether to comply with the NLC’s order and resume negotiations or continue with their industrial action.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
