Tanker drivers' union declares indefinite nationwide strike

The National Vice Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, Sunday Alabi, has highlighted the union's frustrations over delays in improving salaries and working conditions.

The delay, which has resulted in an indefinite nationwide strike, stems from the government's reluctance to approve a new salary framework.

This framework was proposed to ease the financial burdens of 5,000 tanker drivers, each accompanied by an assistant.

In an interview on Happy 98.9FM's Epa Hoa Daben show, he warned that the strike would severely impact many businesses and their transportation services.

"50% of the nation's profit is generated from the work of the petroleum downstream.

"If this strike continues, just imagine the loss that would be incurred by the country. If the framework isn't approved, soon no car will move in this country; no plane will fly overseas," he said.

The union official indicated that the salary framework includes considerations for the drivers' families, farewell packages for retired drivers, procedures for discharge and offloading, and payment processes as well.

Despite several meetings held in 2024 regarding the matter, including a petition to the President's office on May 7, 2024, no progress has been made.

"We have had several meetings since 2017, and even this year, we created a committee to deliberate on the payments of drivers, but it was opposed by the Oil Marketing Companies," he lamented.

The union has, therefore, halted all services nationwide, demanding the approval of the new salary framework.