Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, October 10, the Lambussie MP expressed concern about the way governments have engaged with organised labour, particularly teacher unions, during disputes over working conditions and outstanding entitlements.
Prof. Beyuo said successive administrations have failed to appreciate unions’ concerns, often viewing their actions as attempts to disrupt public services rather than efforts to secure better conditions for their members.
He said this attitude has contributed to a situation in which unions are sometimes subjected to public criticism and political interpretations whenever they raise concerns about the welfare of their members.
“Speaking as a unionist, it is sad that we had to get here. And I think year after year, governments have not really understood the language of the unions. And sometimes the unions are bastardised, politicised and seen as people who just want to foment trouble.
“But when government truly appreciate what the union stand for, they will realise that they are only asking for the barest minimum for their members. And before a union declares a strike, people think it is a very easy thing that they just get up and declare it. A lot would have taken place because it is very difficult when you are in a strike situation.”
Prof. Beyuo’s comments follow a nationwide strike by teacher unions over outstanding promotion allowances, which disrupted teaching and learning.
The unions suspended the strike on Friday, October 9, after the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department assured them that the outstanding allowances would be paid by October 16.
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