Air traffic staff threatens industrial action over unresolved GCAA grievances

The Ghana Air Traffic Safety Association (GhaTSEA) has threatened industrial action from January 15, 2026, if the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) fails to address its concerns.

In a statement issued in Accra, the Association said the decision was prompted by the “persistent failure to resolve long-standing concerns, despite repeated engagements with management.”

“…Notwithstanding our consistent cooperation and demonstrated willingness to negotiate in good faith, the processes of dialogue, mediation, and arbitration have failed to produce any meaningful or satisfactory outcomes,” it said.

GhaTSEA cited unfair salary administration, welfare and technical issues, stressing that the concerns must be resolved to ensure operational efficiency and institutional harmony.

Mr. David Annan Mensah, President of the Association, said the issues dated back to 2016, when a dispute with GCAA management was referred to the National Labour Commission (NLC).

The Association noted that management intervened to prevent a planned industrial action in September 2025 but had since abandoned all commitments.

“It is now evident that management is not engaging in dialogue in good faith and continues to trivialise the concerns of our members, thereby provoking widespread frustration within the Association.

“The conduct of Management strongly suggests a lack of commitment to resolving the Association matters and unfortunately gives the impression that they are indifferent to the industrial peace the Board seeks to preserve,” the statement said.

GhaTSEA demanded implementation of the “Promotional Needs Petition” submitted to management on July 16, 2025, and the removal of the Director of Human Resource at the Authority.

It also warned that unresolved technical and safety personnel issues could affect the integrity of Ghana’s airspace operations and urged that the matters be treated urgently.

“GhATSEA remains committed to peaceful engagement. However, if all issues are not fully resolved by 15th January 2026, we will have no option but to lay down our tools, as continued neglect is no longer tolerable,” the statement cautioned.