Freedom of Association and Staff Union Membership at the Technical Universities (TUs) in Ghana, the Implication on Institutional Management and Organization: A Case of Takoradi Technical University

Abstract

This paper examines the implications of freedom of association and staff union membership at Technical Universities (TUs) in Ghana on institutional management and organization. It focuses specifically on the case of Takoradi Technical University. The paper outlines the staff classification at TUs into four categories: senior member teaching, senior member non-teaching, senior staff and junior staff. It analyzes the membership criteria of the main staff unions - TUTAG, TUSAAG, TUWAG, and TUAAG. The analysis shows that while TUSAAG's membership aligns with the staff classifications, TUWAG and TUAAG have unrestricted membership across categories. The paper argues that unregulated union membership across staff classes undermines orderly union-management relations and negotiations at TUs. It makes it difficult for union leaders to properly articulate and represent the specific demands and undertakings of the different staff classes. This negatively impacts institutional harmony and organized decision-making. The paper recommends that union membership and representation at TUs should be realigned to reflect the staff classifications outlined in institutional regulatory documents. It concludes that while freedom of association is a guaranteed right, its application should not conflict with statutory guidelines for the purpose of institutional harmony and effective management.