NLC orders striking university staff unions to resume work immediately

The National Labour Commission (NLC) has ordered three university staff unions to end their strike. They cited violations of Ghana’s Labour Act as the reason.

In a letter dated May 21, 2025, the NLC invoked Section 139(1)(d) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). The affected unions are 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).

This directive followed a notice served on May 12 about an intended strike. The unions claimed there was non-implementation of agreed conditions of service. An agreement between them and the government was signed on November 12, 2024.

The NLC held a hearing on May 21, 2025. FUSSAG and TUAAG attended, but SSA-UoG did not show up. Representatives from GTEC, FWSC, and the Ministry of Finance were present.

Despite the NLC's order to halt their strike, the unions continued their action. They issued a press release on May 21 announcing an indefinite strike. They protested against what they called the government's ongoing breach of their agreement.

Due to this defiance, the NLC decided not to hear further arguments in this matter. They invoked Section 161 of the Labour Act, which prohibits consideration during illegal strikes.

The NLC advised the unions to call off their strike and notify them formally before taking any further steps.