4,500 Security Officers who are members of TEWU threaten to strike next week over unpaid allowances

A long-standing labour dispute in Ghana’s education sector is nearing a critical point, as approximately 4,500 security personnel and watchmen under the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union prepare to embark on industrial action after what they describe as fourteen years of neglect and unpaid entitlements.

The affected workers, who provide security services for schools, administrative offices, and public education institutions across the country, say they have consistently worked extended hours—including weekends and public holidays—without receiving overtime compensation. According to the union, this prolonged delay has created widespread frustration and financial strain among its members.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Labour Affairs Correspondent Daniel Opoku in Accra, TEWU General Secretary, King James Azortibah, expressed deep concern over the situation, describing it as unjust and unsustainable.

“Our members have been badly affected by the non-implementation of agreed conditions of service,” he said. “These security officers work 12-hour shifts, including Sundays and holidays, yet they have been denied their rightful overtime for the past fourteen years. We cannot continue like this.”

The planned industrial action, expected to commence next week, marks a significant escalation in tensions between the union and government authorities. TEWU, which represents more than 36,000 workers nationwide—including janitors, administrative staff, laundry operators, and accounts personnel—says the plight of security staff has been largely overlooked despite their essential role in safeguarding educational facilities.

Azortibah emphasized that these officers operate around the clock in senior high schools, regional and district education offices, and even at national headquarters, yet remain among the most neglected workers within the system.

“You will be surprised—these officers provide security day and night across all senior high schools and offices, yet they are just about 4,500 men who have been left behind,” he noted.

According to the union, multiple attempts to resolve the issue through institutional channels have yielded no meaningful results. Petitions have been submitted to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the Ghana Education Service, and the National Labour Commission, but union leaders say these efforts have largely been met with silence or inaction.

“We have exhausted all avenues,” Azortibah stated. “That is why we have served notice that from next week, in solidarity with our security officers, we will begin a series of actions.”

Beyond the issue of unpaid overtime, TEWU is also raising broader concerns about delays in implementing its collective agreement, warning that dissatisfaction is spreading across its wider membership.

With International Workers' Day approaching—a period traditionally dedicated to celebrating workers and their contributions—the union is urging the government to act swiftly to prevent potential unrest within the education sector.

“The Union expects nothing but a smooth implementation of the provisions of our conditions of service to promote industrial harmony,” Azortibah stressed. “Any attempt to frustrate our members will not be taken lightly.”

As of now, both the Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission have not publicly responded to the union’s claims.

For thousands of workers who say they have waited over a decade for their rightful compensation, the planned industrial action could mark a decisive moment in their long struggle for fairness, recognition, and justice.