According to GTEC, Senior management officials occupy executive, managerial and policy-making positions that come with responsibilities to their institutions and may restrict their participation in industrial action under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
According to GTEC, the involvement of senior management officials in the strike could create a conflict of interest, particularly where they are required to represent their institutions in engagements with trade unions and ensure the continuity of essential university operations.
βVice-Chancellors are required to submit to the Commission, within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of this directive, a register of all Senior Management Officials who have participated in the industrial action and have failed to comply with this directive,β GTEC added in a directive to public universities issued on Monday, August 17.
The Commission further warned public universities against allowing the strike to disrupt essential institutional and student services.
These include end-of-semester examinations, auditing, internet and telecommunications services, student portals and registration systems, healthcare, cleaning and janitorial services, finance, salary processing and other essential payments.
It cautioned that any unlawful disruption of essential services could constitute a breach of the Labour Act and other relevant laws.
Meanwhile, the ongoing GAUA strike is already affecting academic activities at some public universities, with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and other institutions reportedly suspending scheduled examinations.
GTEC has urged members of GAUA and TUSAAG to exercise restraint and ensure that their industrial action remains within the confines of the law.
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