A group calling itself, Concerned Organised Labour has given 48-hour ultimatum to Organised Labour to rescind its decision to declare strike due to government’s failure in its fight against galamsey.
The strike scheduled for Thursday October 10 to protest against illegal mining in the country which is destroying forest reserves and waterbodies.
The group is calling on the leadership of Organised Labour to suspend the strike and engage in further dialogue with the government.
Member of Concerned Organised Labour, Dr. Sampson Anomah speaking in an interview with Akua Boakyewaa Yiadom on Adom FM’s Burning Issues said the impending strike by Organised Labour is a lazy approach.
“We are all against galamsey. We are against all those who are destroying our waterbodies and the environment and we urge the government to use legal means to stop it to protect our environment’’ he stated.
Mr. Anomah said they were not consulted in any process leading to the declaration of the strike and leadership of Organised Labour declared the strike before seeking the support from members.
“We have some essential workers who are part of Organised Labour whose services will be needed and if care is not taken, by the time the strike is over, a lot will be lost’’ he added.
Dr. Anomah said though Oragnised Labour claims the protest is to help save lives, some lives could also be lost if doctors go on strike thus must reconsider their action for collaborative consultation.
He also criticised Organised Labour of declaring strike but failed to provide solutions to help deal with illegal mining.
“What’s next if the President declares state of emergency? If Organised Labour failed to withdraw their strike within the 48 hours, we Concerned Organised labour will organised a counter demo and press conference to face them”Dr. Anomah stressed.
He added that, the decision by the leadership of Organised Labour, is politically motivated.
Meanwhile, General Secretary of Ghana Mines Workers Union, Abdul Moomin Gbana said every member of Organised Labour was consulted.
He also stated that, Organised Labour did not call for ban on small scale mining, rather a ban on mining in forest reserves and water bodies.
Source: Kwame Kulenu