GAUA suspends strike, university administrators return to work

The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has suspended its ongoing industrial action, with members expected to return to work from Wednesday, August 19.

The suspension will remain in force until after a scheduled meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on August 25, according to GAUA's National Executive Committee.

The association said the decision was intended to create room for further discussions with the FWSC, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the Minister for Education.

The talks are expected to address the issues that led to the industrial action.

GAUA has consequently directed its members to resume their duties while negotiations continue.

In a notice to members, the association thanked them for their solidarity and cooperation during the industrial action and urged them to remain committed as discussions with the authorities continue.

The temporary suspension means university administrators are expected to return to work while the parties attempt to resolve the outstanding issues through negotiations.

However, GAUA has not indicated in the supplied notice whether the suspension will become permanent.

The association has instead asked members to await further directives after the August 25 meeting, which is expected to help determine its next course of action.

The development puts the focus on the upcoming engagement between GAUA and the government agencies involved.

For university staff and institutions affected by the industrial action, the outcome of those discussions will determine whether the dispute is resolved or whether further industrial action could follow.

GAUA's decision to suspend the strike therefore provides a temporary return to normal duties, but does not yet represent a final settlement of the issues that triggered the dispute.