TEWU-GH declares indefinite strike over disputed representation on University Councils

The Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU-GH) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike, effective today, in protest against what it describes as the unlawful recognition of a minority union as the official representative of university workers.

This follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued on June 24 to relevant authorities, demanding action on the matter. The union contends that the decision to appoint the Tertiary Education Workers Union under the Trades Union Congress (TEWU-TUC) as the workers’ representative on the Governing Councils of Traditional Public Universities is “egregious and unjustifiable,” especially given TEWU-GH’s majority membership.

In a strongly worded statement, TEWU-GH criticized the authorities’ failure to provide a satisfactory explanation or resolution, describing the appointment as a breach of democratic principles and a disregard for the rights of the majority union.

According to the union, its strike action is a necessary response to what it views as a deliberate effort to silence the majority and undermine fair representation in tertiary education governance.

TEWU-GH has issued two non-negotiable demands:

1. The immediate and unconditional withdrawal of TEWU-TUC’s appointment to university governing councils.
2. An urgent directive from the Ministers of Labour and Education instructing the Chief Labour Officer to determine which union — TEWU-GH or TEWU-TUC — holds the majority, in accordance with Labour Regulations 2007 (L.I. 1833).

The union also called for the creation of a transparent and democratic system to verify union representation across all public tertiary institutions, ensuring governing councils reflect the true voice of workers.

“We remain committed to peaceful engagement with authorities,” the union said in its statement, “but we will not compromise on our demands or retreat in the face of adversity.”

TEWU-GH further appealed to other labour unions, education stakeholders, and the Ghanaian public to support their cause, emphasizing that collective action is vital to protecting the rights of tertiary education workers and maintaining industrial peace within the sector.

Invoking the authority granted by its constitution and the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651), TEWU-GH has officially directed all members to comply fully with the indefinite strike, observe all strike protocols, and stand united in the pursuit of their legitimate rights.