A rift has surfaced within Organised Labour over the planned nationwide strike set for October 10, 2024, with some members expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of consultation and calling for a more inclusive approach to decision-making.
While the leadership of Organised Labour is determined to proceed with the strike, a faction within the union, known as the “Concerned Members of Organised Labour,” is urging for more time to engage in meaningful negotiations with the government.
Dr. Solomon Fokuo, a member of the Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG), voiced his concerns, stating, “We were not consulted and have not been involved… If the leadership had genuinely engaged with all members, we could have presented a stronger front.”
Dr. Fokuo emphasized that while they agree with the need to address illegal mining, also known as galamsey, the leadership’s focus on environmental issues has overshadowed concerns about the welfare of union members. “We are all against galamsey… but if they had used the same energy in fighting for our welfare, things would have been better,” he added.
The faction believes that suspending the strike could allow for better dialogue and yield improved outcomes for both the environment and the welfare of labour members. “This is not just about the environment; it is also about how we, as union members, are treated. The decision to strike should reflect the collective will of everyone involved, not just a few leaders,” Dr. Fokuo said.
Despite the emerging internal disagreements, Organised Labour’s leadership remains steadfast in their decision to strike, unless the government takes more significant actions before October 10.
