TEWU-TUC slams breakaway union over strike

The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress (TEWU-TUC) has voiced its strong disapproval of the strike initiated by a splinter group known as the Tertiary Education Workers’ Union (TEWU-GH).

This strike followed a seven-day ultimatum issued on June 24, 2025, concerning the recognition of their representatives on the governing councils of traditional universities.

TEWU-TUC has condemned the strike as an irresponsible act, asserting that it lacks legal justification and poses a significant risk to the proper functioning of public universities.

In a statement by General Secretary King James Azortibah, TEWU-TUC reaffirmed its position as the sole legally recognized union representing educational staff at public universities.

This assertion is backed by a letter from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) dated August 2, 2023.

The union stated that the FWSC’s letter confirms that TEWU-TUC holds the Collective Bargaining Certificate for the relevant worker category, in accordance with Section 99 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

Additionally, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) issued a directive on June 18, 2025, instructing all traditional public universities to recognize only TEWU-TUC representatives on their governing councils and to ignore those from the rival organization.

TEWU-TUC has encouraged its members across the country to remain calm and dedicated to their work, dismissing what it called the “diversionary antics” of the breakaway group.

“We urge all gallant and loyal members to treat this illegal strike with the contempt it deserves and remain focused on their duties,” the statement said.

TEWU-TUC reassured its members of its commitment to engaging with relevant parties to safeguard their rights and improve their working conditions.