Organised Labour Calls Off Strike But…
Organised Labour has for the time being suspended their industrial action over the sale of four hotels by the Social Security National Trust (SSNIT).
As such, workers are to resume work on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
The parent body of all labour unions in the country arrived at the resolution following a meeting on July 15 when their industrial action took effect.
“In a letter dated July 12, 2024, SSNIT informed organized labour that it has terminated the sale of 60% of its stakes in the hotel. At an emergency meeting held today, Monday, July 15, 2024, Organised Labour has decided to call off the strike.”
That notwithstanding, the labour group has issued a month ultimatum to SSNIT to resolve all outstanding issues related to the management of their pensions or risk another nationwide industrial action.
“We are giving SSNIT one month to engage organized labour to address all outstading issues related to the management of our pensions otherwise we advise ourselves,” said the statement jointly issued by the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Yaw Baah, Chairman of the Forum of Public Sector Workers Union, Dr Isaac Bampoe Addo and the Deputy Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour, Kenneth Koomson.
Strike
Ghana on Monday witnessed a nationwide industrial action by Organized Labour, the parent body of all labour groups in the country over the botched 60% divestiture of four hotels belonging to the Social Security National Trust (SSNIT).
The University Teachers Association (UTAG), the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) and many others laid down their tools today following a directive from Organised Labour last Friday.
The groups are striking over intent and processes to sell stakes in the Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel and Elmina Beach Resort to a private company owned by a government official. This deal has since been terminated.
At a presser on July 15, 2024, the Organised Labour called for an immediate halt in the processes which they said is flawed, as they declared an industrial action effective July 15.
The Board Chairman of SSNIT, Elizabeth Ohene issued an immediate statement announcing discontinuation of the sale.
“The Board and Management of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) wish to inform the public that the process to divest 60% of SSNIT’s stake in the hotels has been terminated,” the notice dated July 12 read.
However, Organised Labour on Monday advanced on their intent to lay down their tools.
In a statement dated July 13, UTAG demanded the dissolution of the Board and Management of SSNIT in exchange for the strike to be called off.
“UTAG firmly believes that the Board and top Management of SSNIT have demonstrated bad judgement and poor corporate governance skills that significantly eroded public trust in their ability to effectively and efficiently continue carrying out their responsibilities.
“Their initial decision to proceed with this transaction, despite widespread public outcry, indicates a disregard for the sentiments and welfare of the broader populace. This action has undermined confidence in the Board and Management’s capacity to manage our pension funds and assets prudently and transparently.”
Meanwhile, JUSAG in a statement on July 14 “directed that effective Monday, 15th July 2024, staff of the Judicial Service are not to report to work in compliance with the Organised Labour decision”.
