The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has called off its industrial strike action following the directives of Organized Labor, which suspended its strike after the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) terminated the sale of its 60% stake in four hotels.
This development comes after the association’s members went on strike on Monday, in solidarity with Organised Labor’s indefinite strike action, which was declared on Friday, July 12, and had led to a shutdown of their operations.
“The Leadership of Organized Labor, at its emergency meeting held on Monday, 15th July 2024 at the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Accra discussed the decision of SSNIT to terminate the planned sale of SSNIT’s share in the four hotels in line with the demand of Organized Labor”.
“Having had our demands met by the Board of SSNIT, Organized Labor decided to call off the ongoing strike. ALL workers are, therefore, directed to report to work tomorrow, Tuesday, 16th July 2024”.
Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG)
Additionally, JUSAG stated that the Leadership of Organised Labor will engage in discussions with the SSNIT Board to address and resolve any remaining outstanding issues related to the management and administration of the Trust, with the goal of finding a mutually beneficial solution.
JUSAG expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Judicial Service and the workers of Ghana for their solidarity and support in its efforts to protect the retirement benefits of its members, acknowledging their collective action in upholding the welfare of workers.
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has also joined the group of labor unions calling off industrial action.
GMA indicated that in light of the current decision by Organized Labor decision, the NEC has suspended, with immediate effect, the earlier-issued roadmap for industrial action and directed all members to return to work.
The Ghana Medical Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) has extended its sincere appreciation to its members for their unwavering support and cooperation.
Labor Expert Calls For SSNIT Reform To Reduce Government Control
Meanwhile, labor expert Austin Gamey has called for an amendment to the law to limit the government’s or presidency’s powers and control over the affairs of SSNIT, particularly concerning appointments to the board.
According to him, SSNIT is responsible for managing funds on behalf of workers and is not intended to be under government control.
Mr. Gamey suggested that the board members should elect a chairman from among themselves, allowing for effective leadership without the current level of external control and interference.
“The people should choose a chairman from among themselves who will lead meetings without being overbearing. In Ghana, our leaders often have an overbearing nature, which has been a problem for years.”
“We have experienced 57 years of retrogression. It’s time to move forward, and the transition should begin now. Regardless of the party in power, the government must understand that overbearing control will no longer be tolerated, not only in SSNIT but across all sectors. We will not be treated like slaves in our own country.”
Austin Gamey
Mr. Gamey pointed out that the current board comprises two presidential nominees, two representatives from the Ghana Employers’ Association, four representatives from organized labor, and one representative from the National Pensioners’ Association.
As such, Gamey emphasized that organized labor should select individuals based on their merit and competence, rather than other considerations, to ensure effective representation.
“For example, I was nominated to help draft the pension scheme on behalf of the Ghana National Association of Teachers, even though I was not a teacher”. – Austin Gamey
He emphasized the need to reconstitute the board, reducing government representation to only two members and increasing the representation of non-government stakeholders, with minimal government involvement.
Mr. Gamey stressed that the President should not exert excessive control over SSNIT, since its funds do not belong to the government, but rather to the workers who contribute to the scheme.
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