Organised Labour has announced a strike action starting Monday, July 15, 2024
Organised Labour is proceeding with a nationwide strike in protest of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) attempt to sell its 60 percent shares in four hotels.
On Friday, July 13, SSNIT terminated the sale process with Rock City Hotel, owned by Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, after Organized Labour threatened to strike on Monday.
The termination was announced following Rock City Hotel's withdrawal from the bid to purchase SSNIT's 60 percent shares in the hotels.
Despite this development, Organised Labour remains resolute in its decision to move forward with the strike.
Organised Labour strike impact
It serves as the umbrella body for various unions in Ghana, including:
University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association (GRNMA), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU), Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), and General Transport, Petroleum and Chemical Workers Union.
With the unions under Organised Labour forming a significant part of Ghana's public workforce, a nationwide strike would impact the country's struggling economy.
Key organisations involved in this movement include the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG).
Impact on Judicial Processes
The strike threatens to disrupt judicial services, leading to delays in court proceedings and a backlog of cases.
This could hinder access to justice for many citizens, affecting legal representation and potentially compromising the judicial system's integrity.
Impact on Healthcare
In the healthcare sector, the strike could impair the delivery of essential services.
With GMA's involvement, the strike may affect the operation of hospitals and clinics, particularly in emergency services,leading to reduced patient care and increased waiting times for medical treatment and ultimately affect health outcomes.
The strike would also significantly impact the education sector, particularly concerning university education.
With the involvement of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), universities may experience class cancellations, disrupted examinations, and halted academic activities.
This disruption can affect students' learning experiences and delay academic calendars, potentially impacting graduation timelines.
Additionally, ongoing research projects and university administrative functions may also face setbacks.
The situation underscores the critical need for dialogue to address concerns about transparency and accountability in public asset management, which are pivotal for maintaining educational stability.
In an interview on Citi TV, Dr. Eliasu Mumuni, National Secretary of UTAG, expressed disappointment, citing a breach of trust by SSNIT, which he claimed ignored their warnings and concerns.
“When Organised Labour issued an ultimatum, the National Pensions Regulatory Authority, NPRA, stepped in and said they were putting the transaction on hold. Just when we thought the issue was resolved, it resurfaced with NPRA giving approvals,” he said.
The decision by Organised Labour to proceed with the strike underscores the ongoing tensions between labor unions and governmental institutions regarding transparency and accountability in public asset management.
As the situation unfolds, the potential economic repercussions highlight the urgent need for dialogue and resolution between the involved parties to mitigate impacts on the nation’s services and workforce.
JKB/AE
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