The Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA) has formally given notice of its intention to embark on a strike action if long-standing labour and welfare concerns are not resolved by January 15, 2026.
In a press release dated January 5, 2026, the Association said the decision was taken in compliance with Sections 159 and 160 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which require at least seven days’ notice before any lawful strike action.
GhATSEA explained that the planned industrial action follows years of unresolved disputes with management of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), despite repeated engagements, mediation efforts, and arbitration processes.
According to the Association, a major source of contention is what it described as inconsistent and contradictory positions taken by GCAA management regarding the status of its members. In 2016, management reportedly described GhATSEA members as non-essential workers before the National Labour Commission (NLC). However, in the current dispute, management is now claiming the same workers are essential.
“This raises a fundamental question: when did we suddenly become essential workers?” the Association queried, describing the shift as a double standard driven by convenience rather than principle.
GhATSEA further accused management of acting in bad faith during recent negotiations. Following a directive from the GCAA Board on October 29, 2025, the Association suspended a planned industrial action scheduled for October 30 after receiving assurances that management would engage meaningfully and that any agreements reached would receive full Board approval.
However, the Association said subsequent meetings between its Executive Council and management produced no agreements, proposals, or commitments, contrary to the Board’s explicit instructions. It noted that similar assurances were given in September 2025 to halt another planned strike, only for management to later abandon its commitments.
The Association believes this pattern of conduct undermines the authority of the Board and erodes trust among staff, worsening frustration within the workforce.
GhATSEA also raised concerns about what it described as persistent inequitable job placement practices under the supervision of the Director of Human Resources, Mr. Ebenezer Sagoe. According to the Association, members recruited with Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications were repeatedly placed on junior staff status in 2012, 2014, and 2019, despite previous corrections by successive Director-Generals.
It further alleged that in 2022, some members recruited with Bachelor of Science degrees were placed on the lowest senior staff salary level and have remained there despite several petitions.
In addition, the Association cited salary distortions, including minimal differences between some grades, wide disparities between others, and cases where junior staff earn more than senior colleagues, describing the situation as demoralising and unfair.
Among its key demands, GhATSEA is calling for the full implementation of the Dr. Imoro’s Report, the immediate implementation of a promotional needs petition submitted in July 2025, and decisive action regarding the leadership of the Human Resources Directorate.
While reaffirming its commitment to peaceful engagement, the Association warned that failure to resolve the issues by January 15 would leave it with no option but to lay down its tools.
GhATSEA cautioned that unresolved concerns affecting technical and safety personnel could have serious implications for the integrity of Ghana’s airspace operations, stressing that national safety and operational efficiency must not be compromised.
