In a significant development, Organized Labour has called off its scheduled indefinite strike action it had initiated today, following the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT)’s decision to terminate the sale of 60% of its shares in four prominent hotels.
The leadership of Organized Labour, comprising key figures such as Dr Yaw Baah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (Ghana); Dr Isaac Bampoe Addo, Chairman of the Forum of Public Sector Workers; and Kenneth Koomson, Deputy Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour, in a joint statement communicated the union’s decision to its members.
“On Friday, 12th July 2024, Organised Labour called on all workers to join an indefinite strike action starting from today, Monday, 15th July 2024 to back its demand for the termination of the process towards the sale of 60% of SSNIT’s shares in the four hotels.
“In a letter dated 12th July 2024 (Ref: BC/12/07/2024) SSNIT informed Organised Labour that it has terminated the sale of 60% of its stake in the hotels. At an emergency meeting held today, Monday, 15th July 2024, Organised Labour has decided to call off the strike. All workers are requested to resume work on Tuesday, 16th July 2024”.
Leadership of Organized Labour
The statement expressed Organized Labour’s satisfaction with the swift decision by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust to address its concerns.
However, the statement pointed out that the decision by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust to terminate the entire process for the sale of four hotels is just a step towards resolving the broader issues related to the management of its pensions.
Calls for Comprehensive and Extensive Engagement
Organized Labour thus issued a one-month ultimatum to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust, demanding comprehensive engagement to address all outstanding issues regarding the management of workers’ pensions.
The statement indicated that while the immediate threat has been averted, Organized Labour is expecting the Social Security and National Insurance Trust to engage with the union meaningfully to address its concerns.
The statement further admonished that if under any unlikely event, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust fail to comply with Organized Labour’s one-month ultimatum, the union would be compelled to take further action.
As workers prepare to resume their duties on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the leadership of Organized Labour assured its members of their unwavering commitment to advocate for the interest of its members across the country.
The statement expressed the union’s appreciation and gratitude to all the working people of Ghana for their unwavering support and solidarity since the announcement of its strike action.
It emphasized that Organized Labour’s struggle and commitment to better pension management is far from over, underscoring the importance of oneness and cooperation to achieve the goals of Organized Labour.
In an earlier statement, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa condemned the actions of the government, particularly the leadership of SSNIT regarding the sale of four hotels belonging to SSNIT and called for immediate measures to address the concerns of the striking workers.
The National Democratic Congress legislator, in a scathing critique, underscored the deep frustrations felt by many Ghanaians and highlighted what he sees as systemic issues of state capture and governmental mismanagement under the New Patriotic Party administration led by President Akufo-Addo.
In emphasizing his call for action, the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, Honorable Ablakwa called for the immediate dissolution of the board and management of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA)
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