The Local Government Service Workers Union (LGSWU) of Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana, has declared its stance against the CLOGSAG strike in an urgent and clear statement, as it deems it a misplacement of priorities.

CLOGSAG embarked on a strike to protest their extreme dissatisfaction at President Mahama’s appointment of Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway as the head of the Births and Deaths Registry.

The decision of LGSWU to not partake in the strike action of its sister union stems from an inability to align with the grievance of CLOGSAG, which described the appointee as “politically exposed”, and a difference in opinion about the approach being used to tackle said grievance by the association.

“The Local Government Service Workers’ Union of TUC (LGSWU) believes this industrial action does not reflect the present pressing priorities of our members”
The Local Government Service Workers Union

Objections

The union cited CLOGSAG’s protest in 2022 under former President Nana Akuffo Addo, against the then appointed registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry Mrs. Henrietta Lamptey and the resulting court case.

“The High Court is yet to deliver judgment in that case and as a Union, we believe that until its final determination, negotiations and further engagements can help resolve the current concerns raised in the appointment of the Registrar”
The Local Government Service Workers Union

Though the union is not entirely against CLOGSAG challenging the recent appointment on any ground it deems fit, the LGSWU thinks it should employ other measures, including effective dialoguing to make headway.

Following its plea with CLOGSAG to not embark on the strike action, and an explanation into the legitimacy of President Mahama’s appointment, the government extended alternative options to the union geared towards resolution.

The LGSWU is convinced CLOGSAG jumped ahead by implementing the strike and should take a recourse.

It believes that CLOGSAG should take up the offer and indulge in further talks with the government while it awaits the High Court’s decision on the lawsuit that was filed in 2022.

This decision would not only be a final determinant of the case against Mrs. Henrietta Lamptey’s appointment. It would automatically serve as a judgment on that of Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway, and serve as a precedent for similar cases in the future.

Until that template is provided for CLOGSAG, the LGSWU wants all its members nationwide to remain diligent and productive in their service to the country, rather than exert themselves on frivolous ends.

The union further called to mind the pressing needs of its members and charged them to help the leadership focus on finding lasting solutions to those instead.

“Comrades, the needs of our members and staff of the Local Government Service nationwide are clear and urgent” the letter stated.

Two main issues were mentioned. These were the “unabated” fight for better working conditions and an Enhanced Salary Structure for staff of the Local Government Service.

“For these reasons and upon further consultations by the National Management Committee with all Regional Councils, the Local Government Service Workers’ Union of TUC has taken a unanimous decision not to join this strike action and we hereby strongly urge all members and staff across the various MMDAs, RCCs and OHLGS to continue with work as normal”
The Local Government Service Workers Union

The goal of the LGSWU is to reserve its strength and resources to champion courses that will guarantee “tangible gains” to the benefit of all its members, specifically, the advocacy for an “equitable and enhanced salary structure”.

Defectors and Critics

It must be pointed out that the LGSWU isn’t alone in their view of CLOGSAG’s strike action.

Several organizations and stakeholders have expressed their expectations of and recommendations for the union regarding the strike.

Members of CLOGSAG who were aggrieved by the strike decision of their leadership (Members of Aggrieved CLOGSAG Association), in a letter responding to the strike declaration, charged “all well-meaning members and citizens” to boycott the strike action.

They reiterated the lawfulness of the President’s appointment of Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway as, opposed to the “unjustified” response by CLOGSAG.

Despite the commencement of the strike, these members of CLOGSAG have dissociated and reported to work as usual in some offices across the country, the northern region being a case in point.

They insist there are more “critical issues” confronting them as workers of the union.

Labor consultant, Mr. Seth Abloso, described the strike as “completely wrong”, stating “you don’t declare a strike before you seek for a refer.”

In similar words, labor expert, Mr. Austin Gamey urged CLOGSAG to reconsider their position, arguing the basis of the strike is “illegitimate” since the constitution backs the president’s appointment.

He further advised the leadership of CLOGSAG to consider the adverse impacts such a “cut call” strike action would have on their members and the nation as a whole.

Charging its members to remain unmoved by the CLOGSAG strike, the LGSWU asked them to “reserve” their “energies” for the “battles ahead”.

The declaration was signed by Christopher Abokah, the general secretary of LGSWU and Engr. Moses Awenkanaab Awarikro, the National Chairman of LGSWU/TUC.