SSNIT Hotels Sale: Organised Labour holds emergency meeting over industrial strike

Members of Organised Labour are expected to hold an emergency meeting on July 15 to decide on the next steps regarding a decision to embark on an industrial strike action due to the sale of 60% shares in four hotels belonging to state-owned SSNIT to a Minister of State.

The hotels in question are Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, and Ridge Royal Hotel.

In a statement issued on Friday, July 12, 2024, Organised Labour directed all public sector workers not to show up for work effective July 15 until the transaction is terminated and publicly communicated by the Trust.

This, however, sent a wave of collective support from other labour unions who directed their members and workers to follow the directive. But in the late hours of the day the directive was issued, Rock City Hotel, which belongs to Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, announced its decision to withdraw its bid in the sale.

Subsequently, SSNIT also announced its decision to discontinue the sale process entirely, which it said was nearing its final stages with Bryan Acheampong’s company [Rock City Hotel].

As of July 14, 2024, sources within Organised Labour confirmed that the strike action was still in force, adding that an emergency meeting scheduled for Monday July 15 at 10:00 AM would determine the next line of action in the wake of recent developments.

The directive issued by Organised Labour received widespread support from affiliate labour unions, most of which issued statements directing their members to strictly adhere to the strike.

Some unions, such as the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the Ghana Private Road Transport Union of TUC Ghana (GPRTU), National Association of Graduate Teachers, and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), all issued statements to that effect.

Meanwhile, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has called for the dissolution of the SSNIT Board and the resignation of the Director-General and top management of the Trust.

MA/AE