FWSC warns teachers of salary deductions over illegal strike
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has warned that teachers could lose part of their salaries if their ongoing strike is declared illegal and continues beyond the government’s deadline for resolving the dispute.
FWSC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. George Smith-Graham, said workers who participate in an illegal strike risk forfeiting their salaries for the period they remain away from work.
“If you go on an illegal strike, once it is illegal, every day you stay home, your salary will be deducted. That is what is supposed to be done, just that here in Ghana we are a bit flexible,” he said.
His comments come as the nationwide strike by pre-tertiary teacher unions, which began on September 25, 2026, remains unresolved.
The unions are demanding payment of outstanding promotion arrears, proper salary placement and improvements in other conditions of service.
Dr. Smith-Graham said government was hopeful of reaching an agreement with the unions before Friday, October 9, to prevent the dispute from escalating and avert possible sanctions.
He further indicated that if the strike remained in force by October 15, government could be compelled to take steps regarding the salaries of teachers who stayed away from work.
“We hope to resolve the matter before Friday to avoid all these issues and possible outcomes,” he said.
Under Ghana’s Labour Act, a worker who participates in an illegal strike may forfeit remuneration for the period of the illegal action. An employer may also terminate the worker’s employment without notice for breach of contract.
The teacher unions, however, have maintained that they will continue the strike until concrete measures are taken to address their concerns, rather than relying solely on government assurances.
Negotiations between the unions and the FWSC continued on Tuesday, October 6, but ended without a final agreement.
Dr. Smith-Graham said government remained optimistic that the ongoing discussions would lead to a resolution before the situation reaches a point where further action becomes necessary.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
