UCC-TEWU withdraws services

Members of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) branch of the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), have withdrawn their services to press home the demand for payment of salary arrears. When the GNA visited the University campus on Tuesday morning, it realised that the library and lecture theatres were opened and academic work was in progress. However, the various halls of residence have not been cleaned with heaps of rubbish piled, and some students told GNA that the cleaners have since Monday, failed to report for work. They have been compelled to clean the halls of residence themselves, adding that this might take a toll on them, since they would begin writing their examinations on Wednesday. Mr. Ernest Chuku, a resident of Atlantic Hall, said students had to fetch water and clean the hall since the workers responsible for pumping water from a reservoir were not at post. He said drivers of the University who were supposed to convey students to and from the halls to lectures were also absent. Mr. Thomas Asare, a level 300 student of Casely-Hayford Hall, said he has been informed that the workers intended to close the lecture halls on Wednesday to prevent students from writing their examinations. The Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr. David Dzontoh told GNA that even though the workers had not yet officially declared a strike action, they had not reported for duty since Monday, after seeking permission to hold a meeting. Efforts to contact the leadership of TEWU for their version on the issue proved futile as their offices were closed and enquiries made indicated that they had left for their various homes.