The National Labour Commission (NLC) has declared the planned strike by the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA) illegal and ordered its immediate call-off, averting a potential disruption to Ghana’s aviation sector.

In a directive issued after a meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Commission ruled that the Association does not have the legal authority to declare or embark on strike action under Ghana’s labour laws.

The meeting involved representatives of the NLC, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and GhATSEA.

According to the NLC, GhATSEA is an association, not a registered union, recognised to negotiate terms of employment or undertake industrial action.

On that basis, the Commission held that the Association lacks the legal capacity to institute a strike.

GhATSEA had earlier announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike starting Thursday, January 15, 2026.

The Association cited salary discrepancies and demanded the removal of the GCAA Director of Human Resources.

Following the strike notice, the GCAA petitioned the National Labour Commission to intervene.

The NLC found that the intended strike contravenes Regulation 20(e) and (h) of the Labour Regulations, L.I. 1833.

It further noted that the issues raised by GhATSEA fall within the scope of an existing Collective Agreement.

The Commission stressed that GhATSEA does not have the legal standing to negotiate or enforce a Collective Agreement, adding that such matters should have been pursued through the recognised union that is a party to the agreement.

It also ruled that the Association lacks the capacity to appear before the NLC and, as a result, has no legal right to declare a strike.

The Commission directed individual members who feel adversely affected by the issues raised to channel their grievances through the procedures set out in the applicable Collective Agreement.

It said once the concerns are properly brought to the attention of GCAA management, they should be addressed expeditiously.

In a statement, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority reiterated its commitment to human capacity development and the promotion of staff welfare.