May Day 2025: TEWU calls for urgent attention to outstanding conditions of service

The Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) has called on the government to expedite negotiations over outstanding conditions of service.

The have warned that continued delays could lead to agitation and potential industrial action.

In a statement issued ahead this year’s May Day celebrations in Accra, TEWU General Secretary, King James Azortibah, emphasized that the prolonged delay in implementing agreed-upon conditions of service has negatively affected the welfare and earnings of union members.

“We urge the swift finalization of all outstanding negotiations to avoid agitation and ensure industrial harmony,” Azortibah stated on April 30.

He also highlighted the pressing need for additional non-teaching staff, particularly in senior high schools, where limited personnel—especially in kitchen and security roles—are overstretched, compromising service delivery and safety.

“There is an urgent need to recruit more staff to ease the pressure on the current workforce. We also demand that workplace health and safety standards be prioritized,” he said. “It is unacceptable that in 21st-century Ghana, some of our members continue to work under sub-standard and hazardous conditions.”

Mr Azortibah Azortibah further urged policymakers to recognize and respect the contributions of non-teaching staff, often overlooked in discussions on educational development.

“TEWU reiterates that both teaching and non-teaching staff are essential pillars of the education sector. The continued neglect of non-teaching staff must end. Their welfare and professional development should be central to policy planning, not treated as an afterthought,” he said.

The Union also raised concerns about economic hardships caused by inflation and low public sector wage increases, calling for prudent economic management to ensure workers’ wellbeing.

“We pray for economic stability and growth to improve remuneration. Recent public sector pay adjustments have not kept pace with inflation, eroding workers’ earnings,” he added. “We urge the government to adopt economic policies that support sustainable development across all sectors.”

TEWU also criticized unauthorized payroll deductions carried out by the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department under the so-called “retro net offset” mechanism.

“These deductions, often made without prior notice or explanation, undermine trust in the payroll system and impose severe financial strain on our members,” Azortibah stated.

“We demand immediate engagement with affected members to address the issue transparently,” he said.

In his final remarks, the General Secretary cautioned against political interference in public sector appointments, arguing that the frequent replacement of institutional heads following changes in government disrupts continuity and demoralizes staff.

“This practice must stop. Career public servants should advance based on merit, not political loyalty,” he asserted. “We advocate for broader national consultations, genuine consensus-building, and patriotic leadership that strengthens institutions and shields them from political manipulation.”

TEWU’s message reinforces the urgent need for inclusive labour policies, transparency in governance, and a renewed commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of all education sector workers.

The post May Day 2025: TEWU calls for urgent attention to outstanding conditions of service first appeared on 3News.

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