Organised Labour has announced its decision to proceed with the nationwide strike scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024. The group is expressing dissatisfaction with President Akufo-Addo’s response to their demands, particularly regarding the illegal mining crisis.
Despite the president’s reiterated commitment to addressing the issue of illegal mining, Organised Labour has been urging him to declare a state of emergency and implement long-term solutions to combat the menace. In a media briefing on Monday, October 7, the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, emphasized the union’s determination to move forward with the strike unless significant government action is taken by the deadline.
However, tensions have emerged within Organised Labour itself. Some factions, notably from the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), have expressed concerns that they were not consulted prior to the announcement of the strike. A group identifying themselves as “Concerned Members of Organised Labour” has voiced opposition to the leadership’s communication regarding the strike decision.
While they support the fight against illegal mining, they believe the leadership’s approach to declaring the strike was improper. They are calling for the leadership to suspend the strike and engage in further dialogue with the government.
Dr. Solomon Fokuo, a member of TUTAG, articulated these concerns during a press conference in Kumasi. He stated, “We are all against galamsey and those who are destroying our water bodies and the environment. We urge the government to use legal means to stop it, but the major concern is the manner in which Organised Labour is handling this situation.”
As the strike date approaches, the divisions within Organised Labour raise questions about unity and strategy in their advocacy efforts. The group’s commitment to addressing the illegal mining issue remains firm, but the internal dissent highlights the complexities of leadership and representation within the organization.
Source: DEW360.NET
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