The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has criticised members of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) over what it describes as unfair accusations that the Commission has failed to ensure the payment of their allowances.
The Commission says it has already concluded negotiations with GAUA and is therefore surprised by the Association’s decision to compare its allowances with those of university lecturers.
The comments come as GAUA continues its industrial action over concerns relating to its conditions of service and allowances.
Fair Wages rejects comparison with lecturers
Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Dr. Smith Graham, says the comparison is unfair and could create unnecessary tension within the labour front.
He said the Commission had engaged GAUA extensively and reached an agreement with the association before negotiations with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) were concluded.
“Frankly, the argument they are putting across is very unfair to the labour front and very unfair to everybody. First of all, we have met with them, and we have had lengthy discussions with them and concluded negotiations with them.”
“Then it came to the time of UTAG and we concluded with UTAG. It is surprising to see when one group is doing comparison in the labour front. It is not even done.” Dr. Graham said.
Commission ready for further engagement
Despite its concerns over GAUA’s position, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission says it remains willing to engage the administrators to find a solution to their grievances.
Dr. Graham said the Commission is prepared to listen to GAUA and address any outstanding concerns.
“We are ready to engage them to address their concerns.”
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission is therefore urging GAUA to return to the negotiating table as efforts continue to resolve the issues surrounding the strike.
By Daniel Opoku
