Accra, Feb. 3, GNA. - The National Labour Commission (NLC) has directed the Ministry of Manpower, Youth and Employment to take immediate steps to enter into negotiations with Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) about its concerns to forestall any industrial action.

A letter from the NLC signed by Mr J.K. Bapuuroh, Acting Executive Secretary addressed to the Ministry said, "The Commission, concerned about the recent unstable industrial climate, and the spate of strikes, especially from Government employees....directs that you take immediate steps to enter into negotiations with TEWU on the concerns they have raised to forestall any industrial action."

TEWU is demanding from Government a mandate to the Conference of Polytechnic Principals (COPP) to negotiate with the Union in respect of Collective Bargaining Agreement for employees of Polytechnics that expired since January 2004.

The Government has granted mandate for negotiations to the Universities, West African Examination Council (WAEC), and the Ghana Education Service (GES) all members of TEWU but the Polytechnics were left out.

Accordingly, TEWU in a resolution indicated that "If by the close of work on Friday, February 3, 2006 Government has not made it possible for negotiation to commence, we deem it fit to advise ourselves."

The Commission in another letter to the General Secretary of the TEWU, advised the Union to refrain from any industrial action and give the Commission the opportunity to get the Government to begin the negotiations.

It said " Your assertion to advise yourselves has come as a surprise to the Commission. To this end, we wish to advise you to refrain from any industrial action and give the Commission the opportunity to use its good offices in getting your employer to begin negotiations with you."