The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of TUC (Ghana) has suspended its two-week indefinite strike following constructive engagements with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and employer institutions.
The strike, which began on September 19, 2025, involved members across the Ghana Education Service, public and technical universities, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, and the Ghana Library Authority. The action sought to press for the conclusion and signing of improved conditions of service for non-teaching staff in these institutions.
According to TEWU, a meeting held on Monday, September 29, 2025, with the FWSC and relevant stakeholders yielded positive outcomes. Parties agreed to continue discussions towards an amicable resolution, with another round of negotiations scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
“As a result of this positive development, TEWU has decided to suspend the indefinite strike action with effect from today, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, to allow for further discussions and implementation of the agreed terms,” the General Secretary, Mr. Mark James Azortibah, said in the statement.
All members have been directed to return to work by Thursday, October 2, 2025, while those outside their jurisdictions are expected to report no later than Monday, October 6, 2025. The union stressed, however, that the action is a suspension and not a total call-off.
TEWU further warned against any form of victimization of its members for participating in the strike, emphasizing that the leadership would defend workers against unfair labour practices. The union also commended management of schools and institutions that cooperated during the strike, noting their role in safeguarding the delivery of quality education while respecting workers’ rights.
“We emphasize that this is a suspension and not a called-off of the strike. We hope the FWSC and employer institutions will honour their side of the agreement, so that TEWU is not forced to do otherwise,” the statement read.
The leadership also cautioned against retaliation, saying: “No TEWU member or non-teaching staff should be victimized for exercising their right to strike. The union leadership will defend any member facing victimization and unfair labour practices from their employer on this matter now or in the future.”
Appreciating the solidarity shown, the General Secretary added, “We recognize the consciousness of managements and school heads for delivering quality education service in Ghana and for accepting our collective struggle during this period.”
The 2025 strike by TEWU is rooted in longstanding grievances among non-teaching staff in Ghana’s education sector, particularly over delayed or unresolved conditions of service for support personnel. On September 19, TEWU officially declared an indefinite nationwide strike, accusing the government of neglecting non-teaching staff despite years of dialogue.
Among the union’s demands were:
• Immediate signing of the conditions of service for non-teaching staff across GES, public and technical universities, and related institutions
• Inclusion in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) allowances and settlement of overdue allowances for overtime, holidays, and promotions
• Equal treatment and resolution of outstanding promotion grievances within the Ghana Education Service
The strike gained traction as several regions, such as the Upper East and Upper West, joined the action in solidarity over “persistent neglect” of non-teaching staff welfare.
The government, through the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Jobs, responded by affirming that it was working toward a “comprehensive solution” to address not only TEWU’s demands but also those of other labour groups holding back.
This current suspension of action provides a window for renewed negotiations but TEWU maintains that this is a suspension, not a withdrawal of their rights to return to industrial action should talks fail.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
