Four teacher unions are requesting the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), formerly the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), to rescind its decision on the contract termination with the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).
They have given the management of UniMAC until Wednesday, 7th February 2024, to rescind its decision.
Management of UniMAC abrogated the contract signed between its official healthcare provider, UGMC.
The staff unions comprise the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA), and Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWUG).
In a joint letter dated January 2, 2024, the unions have threatened to embark on industrial action if their request is not granted.
“The purpose of this communication is to express our deep concern and displeasure regarding the recent abrupt and unilateral decision by Management to terminate the Institute’s contract with the University of Ghana Medical Centre, our official healthcare providers.”
“In light of this, the Unions (UTAG, GAUA, SSA, TEWUG) are requesting Management to rescind this
decision by Wednesday, 7th February 2024 and give at least two months grace period until Sunday, 31st
March 2024 to allow members to prepare financially for refinancing their medical bills and also
migrate their medical services to other facilities. Failing to address this matter promptly will regrettably leave us with no option but to consider varied forms of industrial action from ALL staff members.”
The staff unions decried the apprehension that has risen among the staff due to the abrupt cancellation of the contract.
“The unilateral and sudden nature of this decision has raised serious apprehension among the staff, and
we feel compelled to convey our collective discontent. The sudden cancellation of the healthcare
contract has left many employees financially unprepared to prefinance their medical bills. We are
equally disappointed in Management for communicating such a decision to the general staff while
engagement with the Unions on this issue was still ongoing. We see it is a betrayal and gross disregard
for Unions and all staff of the Institute for this action by Management.”
They called on UniMAC management to engage them in finding an alternative medical care arrangement that is cost-effective and convenient for all staff within this transitional period.
They also asked the management to give them up to Sunday, 31st March 2024, to prepare financially to refinance their medical bills and also migrate their medical services to other facilities.
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