In a statement, the TUC criticized the directive, which primarily affects teachers, nurses, and other professionals who have spent years pursuing education and struggling to secure employment.

TUC warned that the termination of appointments could have devastating effects on young Ghanaians and tarnish the country’s democratic reputation.

“The mass termination of employment of teachers, nurses, and others, who have been educated at great cost to their families and the nation and who may have stayed at home for years struggling to obtain employment, can be devastating for these young men and women,” portions of the statement read.

The TUC’s concerns follow a directive issued by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, on February 10, 2025, instructing all government institutions to revoke appointments made after December 7, 2024.

The directive argued that the appointments were not in line with established good governance practices and principles, resulting in widespread job losses.

However, the TUC has urged the President to prevent the country from descending into what it described as a “partisan slippery hill.”

“This will be the greatest political settlement of the 4th Republic. It will ripple in eternity and reset the politics of Ghana,” the statement added.

ALSO READ:

• No nurse has been affected – GRNMA Assistant PRO on mass dismissal

• Mass dismissals: Bawumia was Veep for 8 years, why didn’t he employ them? –…

In a statement signed by Secretary General Joshua Ansah, the TUC described the incidents as unwarranted and called on President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action.

The union criticised the Ghana Police Service for failing to prevent these acts of vandalism, which it said occurred in the presence of police personnel.

“These acts of vandalism have stained an otherwise peaceful election and the beautiful transfer of political power,” the statement read.

They added that the damage caused will require resources that could have been directed toward addressing economic challenges.

The TUC urged the President to empower the police to arrest and prosecute perpetrators and called on Ghanaians to uphold Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy.

The union further appealed to Ghanaians to refrain from such activities, emphasising that such behaviours undermine the country’s progress and tarnish its image following the peaceful transition of power on January 7, 2025.

Read the statement below:

READ ALSO:

• Tema GPRTU calls for digitised road toll system to curb mismanagement
• GNFS deploys personnel, and equipment to Zenu Market
• Eduwatch sends an important message to Haruna Iddrisu

The group’s leadership announced the suspension on Wednesday, October 9, just a day before the planned strike.

The strike had garnered broad support from various sectors, with many Ghanaians backing Organised Labour’s demand for tougher measures to curb the environmental and social harm caused by galamsey.

However, the decision to cancel the strike has sparked criticism, with some accusing the leadership of yielding to external pressure and compromising the fight against illegal mining.

In response to the backlash, Chairman of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Bernard Owusu, explained that the decision was a strategic one.

He emphasized that it was not a sign of weakness but rather an opportunity to give the government time to address their concerns.

Mr Owusu assured the public that if the government fails to act, Organised Labour would not hesitate to reinstate the strike or consider other forms of protest.

“We presented our demands, and the government has made some concessions. As responsible citizens, it makes sense to reassess our position since the government has partially addressed our concerns. We will continue to monitor the situation, and if necessary, we are prepared to take further action,” he stated.

Mr Owusu dismissed any sense of disappointment, arguing that Organised Labour’s decision should be applauded for its prudence and strategic foresight.

Source: Adomonline

READ ALSO:

• Catholic Church to hold protest walk against galamsey today
• Kyerematen will appoint 50% women in govt — Hopeson Adorye
• Galamsey: Shoot and kill illegal miners – Joe Wise reiterates

The PPP is urging the government to immediately ban all forms of illegal mining, especially those affecting water bodies, forest reserves, and other areas in the country.

In a statement on October 6, the PPP described galamsey as the “most existential threat” to Ghana, accusing illegal miners of engaging in “biological warfare” against the nation by using hazardous chemicals like mercury.

The party pledged to sign the TUC’s Anti-Galamsey Declaration unconditionally and praised the TUC for standing up against what they termed as “state-capture and state-sponsored terrorism.”

The PPP also criticized President Akufo-Addo for failing to address the galamsey menace during his tenure and called for decisive leadership.

They highlighted its 10-Point Agenda, which includes free compulsory education and job creation, as a solution to provide alternatives for unemployed youth involved in galamsey.

The PPP reiterated its readiness to govern with integrity and discipline to bring peace and prosperity to Ghana.

Read the statement below:

Source: Adomonline

READ ALSO:

• CitizenApp: Digitalisation now central to Ghana’s economic strategy – Bawumia
• This is the right time to elect Bawumia as President – Gideon Boako to Ghanaians
• Bawumia launches CitizenApp to enhance public services

The day is dedicated to raising awareness of the ongoing struggle for equal pay for work of equal value, with a particular focus on closing the gender pay gap that disproportionately affects women worldwide.

In a statement released to mark the occasion, the TUC highlighted the deep-rooted societal structures that continue to fuel wage disparities and limit employment opportunities for women in Ghana.

According to the union, these challenges include occupational segregation and a lack of investment in women’s education, which have kept many women from leadership roles and consigned them to low-paying jobs.

The TUC also pointed to the “motherhood penalty,” noting that women with childbearing responsibilities often face additional barriers to career advancement and are subjected to greater scrutiny in the workplace.

As part of its demands, the TUC is urging the government to ratify International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 190 and 183, which address violence and harassment in the workplace and provide maternity protection, respectively.

The union also called for the swift implementation of the recently passed Affirmative Action Act, which seeks to ensure equal access to opportunities and representation for women in all sectors.

Furthermore, the TUC has called for national legislation promoting pay transparency and penalizing discriminatory practices to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work.

In its statement, the TUC celebrated the contributions of working women across Ghana, reaffirming its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and promoting gender equity.

The union emphasized that Ghanaian society will thrive when all its members have equal opportunities, and it remains committed to advocating for policies that will help eliminate the gender pay gap.

As International Equal Pay Day is observed, the TUC urged all stakeholders to work towards a future where gender-based wage disparities are eradicated, ensuring that every woman in Ghana can achieve her full potential.

Before his election, Mr. Owusu served as the National Chairman of the General Transport Petroleum Chemical Workers Union (GTPCWU).

He succeeds Alex Opoku-Nyarko, whom he defeated by securing 347 votes in the election.

Deputy Secretary General Joshua Ansah has also been appointed as the substantive Secretary General, replacing Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah.

Below is the full results.

511 delegates

Chairman 510 reject 1
Bro. Bernard Owusu – 347
Bro. Alex Nyarko 163

DSG 2 Rejected
Bro. Kwabena Otto 222
Bro. Bernard Adjei 194
Bro. Frankline O. Ansah 93

Vice Chair (Women)
Sis. Salamatu Braimah 341
Sis. Vida Akuban 49
Sis. Georgina 107

Below is the full list of new officers

Newly elected national officers of TUC

Chairman – Bernard Owusu
Vice Chairperson – Ken Koduah
Vice Chairperson ( woman) – Salamatu Mahama Braimah
Secretary-General – Joshua Ansah
Deputy Secretary General – Kwabena Nyarko Otoo

Source: Adomonline

READ ALSO:

• Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures: African Parliaments blamed for democratic failings
• NPP has penchant for cutting sod for projects without funds – NDC chairman
• 2024 election: 19 independent presidential candidates pick nomination forms

In an interview on Channel One TV, Dr. Otoo described SSNIT’s approach as “lazy” and questioned why hotels like Kempinski are thriving while La Palm Royal Beach Hotel is struggling.

Dr. Otoo urged SSNIT to investigate the causes of the hotels’ underperformance and to manage pension funds more prudently.

He emphasized that, the hotels should not be sold and called for the implementation of measures to ensure their viability.

“We do not expect SSNIT to go back in any attempt to sell the four hotels to Rock City Hotel or any other investor. The process was a problem to us, the fact that it has been bought by a Minister of State. We thought that it could be legal, but we thought that it was not morally right. Those in government should not be the ones buying our assets.

“But if we all agree that those investments were not doing well, I think the proper thing to do is to investigate why they are not doing well. We know that Kempinski, and other hotels, big hotels and small medium-sized hotels are doing well,” he said.

Organized Labour had declared its intention to strike on Monday, July 15, 2024, but called off the strike after SSNIT terminated the sale process of its 60% stakes in the four hotels.

Organized Labour then directed its members to resume work and demanded proper engagement with the government, threatening further action if their demands are not met.

READ ALSO:

• Dengue Fever: Two more cases recorded in Eastern region
• Organised labour to form committee to probe privatization of public assets
• First phase of Suame Interchange project to be completed by end of 2024 – Akufo-Addo

The decision was unanimously reached at a Council meeting on May 23, 2024.

The strike follows the union’s decision to defer a planned strike on March 24, 2024, after the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations intervened.

The government, represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the NIA management, had promised to negotiate and implement better working conditions for NIA staff.

However, the union in a statement on June 9, cited the government’s failure to demonstrate good faith in the negotiation process and failure to set timelines as mandated.

They also cited the government’s reluctance to grant institution-specific allowances, and non-implementation of an approved scheme of service for NIA staff.

The NIA staff insists that it will not return to work until the government and NIA management address their concerns and improve the dire economic and financial conditions faced by NIA staff.

Read the full statement below:

FINAL-NOTICE_DECLARATION-OF-INDEFINITE-STRIKE

Dr. Kwabena Nyarko-Otoo, the TUC’s Director of Research and Policy, emphasized the need for a more substantial presence on the board, expressing concern that the current four-member representation may lead to being outnumbered on pivotal issues.

Dr. Nyarko-Otoo conveyed this concern during an interview with Evans Mensah on Joy News’ PM Express, highlighting it as a significant request presented to President Akufo-Addo for consideration.

He emphasized that with increased representation, the TUC would have had a stronger voice against SSNIT’s decision to sell its 60% stake in four hotels to Abetifi MP Bryan Acheampong.

Addressing criticism faced by the Union for its perceived inability to block the Trust’s decision, Dr. Nyarko-Otoo defended the TUC’s efforts, citing ongoing engagement with the President since 2017 on various issues related to SSNIT.

Moreover, he underscored the importance of granting the board the authority to appoint the Director-General of SSNIT, rather than the President.

However, Dr. Nyarko-Otoo acknowledged that such demands require time to materialize, considering the multiple interest groups making requests.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the requirement for board members to swear an oath of secrecy, hindering transparency.

SSNIT recently announced its decision to sell a 60% stake in four hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong.

The Trust clarified that the selection process adhered strictly to the Public Procurement Act and emphasized transparency in the decision-making process.

The partnership aims to raise capital for further investments and enhance hotel management, according to SSNIT.

MORE:

• Lilwin hospitalised [Video]
• Assemblies of God disassociates itself from Apostle James Nartey
• We make less than GH₵2 profit on a bag of cement – Distributors

According to the union, SSNIT was only managing the properties for citizens, therefore, they would not allow SSNIT to sell them to just anyone, especially a Minister of State.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, May 20, the Head of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), Dr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, emphasized that SSNIT has breached several investment guidelines.

He assured that the union would persist in its efforts to halt the sale.

“We want the government to know that these funds are not government funds. These funds are pension funds and pensions are guided by Act 766. We have investment guidelines under Act 766 and clearly, these guidelines have not been followed. Government should be aware that we will not allow them to play ‘chaskele’ with our funds. Should they dare go ahead, it will be the mother of all strikes in Ghana,” he said.

Secretary-General of TUC, Dr. Yaw Baah, questioned the rationale behind the sale, particularly how SSNIT’s stake in the hotels is being handled.

He found it perplexing that the number of hotels in the sale was reduced from six to four and criticized the inconsistency with the original Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

“We find it extremely difficult to understand why SSNIT’s interest in six hotels will be packaged and sold as if all the hotels are in the same financial position. We find it difficult to understand why the original proposal of the sale of SSNIT’s interest in six hotels has been reduced to four.

“We hold the view that this renders the whole process null and void. We have observed that the proposed payment terms have varied from the original MoU [Memorandum of Understanding] based on the recommendations,” he added.

Dr. Baah also expressed dismay over the sale to a company owned by a Minister of State, insisting this was inappropriate.

He called for the immediate cancellation of the sale and urged the Minister responsible for pensions to direct SSNIT’s board of trustees to halt the process, warning of potential industrial action.

“We also find it difficult to understand why SSNIT’s interest in these hotels should be sold to a company owned by a Minister of State. We do not think this is right. We are calling on the Minister responsible for pensions to direct the board of trustees of SSNIT to cancel the process immediately otherwise, else we organised labour will advise ourselves,” he said.

On MAy 17, 2024, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the sale of six hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Bryan Acheampong.

He claimed SSNIT is about to sell a 60% majority stake in six of its hotels to the Minister for Food and Agriculture.

Mr. Ablakwa argued that, the sale of SSNIT’s shares in the hotels lacks due process and violates procurement procedures and called for an investigation into various allegations, including conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.

However, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has explained that Rock City Hotel Limited submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal among the bids received, meeting the criteria set out in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

According to SSNIT, the selection process was transparent and strictly adhered to the Public Procurement Act. The Trust emphasized that there was no favoritism involved in selecting Rock City Hotel Limited.

SSNIT explained that, the decision to partner with an investor was initiated to raise capital for further investments in their hotels and to enhance their management.

Mr. Ablakwa has criticized SSNIT’s explanation.

READ ALSO:

• Ablakwa petitions CHRAJ over sale of 6 hotels by SSNIT to Agric Minister
• Bryan Acheampong’s hotel gave the best offer for 60% share in 4 hotels –…
• SSNIT hasn’t responded to the fundamental issue; how was Rock City selected? – Ablakwa…

Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile, Dr Otoo emphasised the need for consistent and collaborative efforts to address the country’s deep-seated economic challenges.

Highlighting the pervasive nature of the economic crisis, Dr Otoo pointed out its impact on households and businesses.

“There is crisis in our households, there is a crisis at the production front, and businesses are not able to cope,” he stated.

He argued that the persistent economic challenges necessitate a structured and regular dialogue involving all stakeholders.

Dr Otoo proposed that a national economic forum should be held annually to dissect issues and find permanent solutions.

“At this point, we should be able to have a national economic forum not just once but every year,” he suggested.

This forum, he argued, would provide a platform for stakeholders to reach a consensus on critical issues such as the excessive importation of goods and the overly liberalised external payment regime.

He emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to these problems, criticising the current sporadic efforts.

“We need some consistency in tackling the challenges, not this offbeat one-off attempts that we do,” Dr Otoo asserted.

He also highlighted the importance of addressing the ability of individuals to transfer large sums of dollars out of Ghana, which he believes is detrimental to the economy.

Dr Otoo urged unions and civil society organizations (CSOs) to increase pressure on economic managers to adopt more effective policies.

“When our opinions are not being heeded, as unions and CSOs we need to pile pressure on the managers of the economy, not just the current managers, but successive managers as well,” he declared.

ALSO READ:

• We have overcome our difficult economic challenges – Akufo-Addo

• Military takeovers not solution to Africa’s economic challenges – Asantehene

In the view of the Director of Labour, Research and Policy Institute at TUC, Dr Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, Prof Adei has a morbid hatred for Ghanaian workers.

“He has a morbid hatred for Ghanaian workers and unions. His claim to fame in Ghana is what he did at GIMPA. He didn’t do those things with Togolese workers.

“There were drivers and security people he worked with when he was there. And the least thing these people expect from him is this kind of comment. Can any government or any employer come and tell us what they have been doing about productivity? Except to perpetually complain that the Ghanaian worker is unproductive without evidence?” he said in an interview on Accra-based Citi TV.

The former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) a few weeks ago highlighted that his research has revealed that Togolese workers demonstrate superior work quality compared to Ghanaians.

According to him, employers often prefer Togolese workers due to their higher productivity levels.

But Dr Otoo who has disagreed with his assertion has questioned if Prof Adei would prefer treatment in Togo or Ghana when faced with a health challenge.

“We recognise there’s a challenge about attitudes to work, we are doing something about it. If you want to help, this is not the way a professor should go. There’s a way that professors can help us address some of the challenges. But they should find a nicer way, collaborative way of saying it.

“When you google Prof Adei, you will not find a single research document he has put there, it’s all about condemnations and castigations of Ghanaian workers. What is the basis to say that a Ghanaian worker is not productive?” Dr Otoo queried.

ALSO READ:

• Togolese workers more productive than Ghanaians – Prof Adei
• Prof Adei denies making a ‘mischievous’ statement against Akufo-Addo

During an engagement with the Secretary-General and representatives of organized labour, Mr George Twum-Barimah-Adu outlined his vision and strategic policies which seek to establish a supportive environment for local businesses to thrive as a major catalyst for socioeconomic development.

In addressing issues on pension, housing and welfare, the Presidential aspirant emphasized the significance of his ‘E-Sika’ initiative, saying it would be the ultimate game changer to replace the controversial e-Levy.

The ‘E-Sika’ policy, he said, would be a scheme specifically to address the housing needs of the country, aimed at ensuring that every Ghanaian owns a house.

The scheme will be a savings, which one could use the housing component to either make a down payment towards purchasing a house or to secure a mortgage towards a house.

Mr George Twum-Barimah-Adu stressed the need for further dialogue between political office seekers and labour unions to build a stronger framework which addresses not only personal welfare but also a platform for robust business operations for the transformation we want for this country.

Speaking at a press conference, General Secretary of the TUC, Dr. Yaw Baah said although the government has agreed to pay fifteen percent Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure, the TUC is determined to work together with other Labour Unions to end the unfairness in remuneration for public sector workers.

He said “The TUC and its affiliates have our eyes and minds firmly fixed on the outcome of the Single Spine Salary Review process currently underway. We are determined to work together with other organized Labour groups to end the unfairness in remunerations for public sector workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure on one hand and Article 71 office holders and State Owned Enterprises on the other hand.”

He emphasised, “we will not allow the class system in pay administration in favour of Article 71 office holders to continue, it must end now.”

The TUC also reiterated its objection to Ghana’s decision to seek support from the IMF. Dr. Yaw Baah said it will worsen the prevailing harsh economic conditions.

He said corruption and failure to transform the structure of the economy are responsible for the country’s lack of progress.

Dr. Yaw Baah said “we have already communicated our objection to the decision to seek an IMF bailout for the umpteenth time. We are convinced that an IMF programme will not solve our problems. It will only impose hardships on Ghanaians”.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, made this known on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Monday.

According to Mr. Ansah, although Cabinet has decided to withdraw the controversial 15% VAT on electricity, the union has not been officially informed.

“The government has not informed us, neither have we met with them to officially tell us their intention to withdraw the tax. We only heard it on social media, and trust me, we will not rely on social media to make decisions.

So we are still preparing our demo until we get an official communique from government regarding the withdrawal,” he said.

The VAT on electricity has been criticised by Organised Labour, civil society, and sections of Ghanaian society.

Organised Labour has called for the withdrawal of the tax but government has explained that, the tax was aimed at helping its COVID-19 recovery programme.

But to Mr. Ansah, the VAT on electricity will exacerbate the socio-economic hardships of Ghanaians.

ALSO READ:

Stan Dogbe’s view on govt’s withdrawal of VAT on electricity

Emissions levy, VAT on electricity will affect businesses – GUTA

Govt to drop 15% VAT on electricity

According to him, the new tax is one too many for the overburdened Ghanaian worker and permitting it will next see the government taxing couples for the number of children they have.

Speaking at a crucial meeting on February 2 to discuss the next steps for labour after its ultimatum to the government to withdraw the tax expired at the end of the month, Dr. Yaw Baah said; “You see if we don’t fight this, tomorrow it will be on the water, the next day it may be on the number of children that we will have. This is our duty and we will do it and do well until we win this battle.”

Dr Baah said this was a clarion call, and all citizens must join the Trades Union and other 35 organised labour unions on the planned demonstration on February 13.

“We want to entreat all public and private sector workers, formal, informal that this is a national assignment and we do not want to antagonise any employer. Please you will have your peace when you release your workers to join this demonstration.’

“We want to do this not only for workers but for workers and their families and the entire population of this country. Everybody owes it a duty to join us including the employers themselves, market women AND all those in the informal economy,” he added.

Meanwhile, he added that early on this day, February 2, Ghana Publishers wrote to inform him about the imposition of VAT on books.  

TUC and 35 organised labour unions have announced that they will embark on a demonstration on February 13, to back their demands for the 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on electricity..

This follows the government’s failure to concede their demand to withdraw

The TUC and 35 other labour unions believe that they were too overburdened and therefore, this new VAT will worsen their flight.

ALSO READ:

• Organised Labour demo against electricity tax set for February 13

• Gov’t to extensively engage stakeholders on electricity VAT

According to the TUC, the Labour Act permits all workers to join a union in order to safeguard their interests.

At a public forum in Accra, the Secretary-General of TUC, Dr Yaw Baah, announced that the TUC has directed its legal team to go to court for interpretation.

“The TUC is taking legal action on a number of issues. The initial part of Act 651, which defines the scope of the law, restricts certain organizations. For instance, Immigration officers, Prison officers, and the Police are prohibited from joining or forming a union to protect their interests. * We have already instructed our lawyer to take this matter to court.”

Meanwhile, the Tertiary Education Workers Union (TEWU) and two other university unions have given the government a two-week ultimatum to restore their withheld allowances.

The two other unions are the Senior Staff Association of the University of Ghana (SSA-UoG) and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA).

Addressing a press conference in Accra, GAUA National President Dr. Beth Offei-Awuku said the non-payment of these allowances is putting undue hardship on their members.

The unions threatened to withdraw their services across all public universities in the country if the government fails to restore their allowances by October 15, 2023.

ALSO READ:

• Address low minimum wage; it is creating cheap labour – TUC to government

• TUC to march to Jubilee House over dismissal of 3 local union leaders at…

According to him, the lack of proper reward systems and low wages at work places, especially in the government sector is a contributing factor to low productivity.

The minimum wage depicts the least amount of remuneration that an employer is required to pay wage earners for the work executed during a given period and country.

The national minimum wage of Ghana currently stands at ₵14.88, approximately $1.3. Undoubtedly this amount is woefully inadequate to cater for the expenses of an individual.

Speaking at a United Nations Global Impact’s National roundtable conference on the living wage, Dr. Baah explained that the surge in cheap labour and low-remunerated jobs is worrying and must be tackled to prevent dire consequences on the economy.

“Many of the jobs we have in Ghana are mainly cheap employment and that is not the way to promote productivity. If you do that continuously in the next 10 to 15 years, the population will hit about 50 billion.”

“The impact will be huge on the economy. It means we are in trouble”, he asserted.

The Executive Director of UN Global Impact Network Ghana, Tolu Lacroix emphasized the importance of employee welfare in achieving desired business growth.

“The backbone of every economy is the work. We look at nations like Germany, Japan, United States which have achieved high; workers are always key.

“How are we as a country making sure that workers and their families have a sustainable means of living?” he questioned.

The round table conference which was organised by the UN Global Impact Network Ghana is a move to advance conversations about Ghana’s low living wage with the government and relevant stakeholders on the labour front on improved remunerations and conditions of service.

“We hold a strong view that any attempt to remove the Tchiani-led military junta in Niger by force will further escalate the tension and the insecurity in the region,” Dr Yaw Baah, Secretary General of TUC, said in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency.  

This follows a meeting held by the TUC on August 18, 2023, in Accra to discuss the situation in Niger.  

According to the TUC, there was simply no reason for ECOWAS to wage a war in Niger, more so when there was no consensus among ECOWAS members.    

“A war in Niger or anywhere in the region has a very great potential to create the environment for more insurgents and even more coup d’etats in the region, which may lead to further instability and insecurity.  

“None can impose democracy on any country until and unless the people themselves are ready for it,” the statement added.  

The TUC noted that it believed that through diplomacy, constitutional order could be re-established in the Republic of Niger if ECOWAS leaders engaged the military junta in good faith, “with clean hearts and clear minds”.    

It urged the military junta to return Niger to constitutional rule immediately to preempt any “senseless war in our region”.  

The leadership condemned the coup and said any act that disturbed the constitutional order in any country needed to be condemned because it took that society back to the old order where a few people illegally took and usurped power that belonged to the people.    

“The TUC will always support democracy because that is the only way to ensure respect for constitutional order, respect for rule of law, respect for human rights, including the rights of workers, separation of powers and respect for the rights of women and men as groups and as individuals,” the statement added.  

The TUC said all efforts should, therefore, be made to deepen and sustain democracy on the continent by creating and strengthening democratic institutions.  

The meeting follows a summon by the NLC to Organised Labour after its leadership announced its nationwide strike. 

Organised Labour on June 26th announced that it will embark on a strike on July 10, following the dismissal of three Union Leaders at Sunon Asogli Power Plant. 

TUC is fuming over the decision of management not to reinstate them after several appeals.

Speaking to journalists in Accra, Secretary General of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah says they will still strike. 

“The directive is that Organised Labour leaders are saying that on July 10, we are starting a nationwide strike, involving all workers who are part of Organised Labour, so that stands.

“In the meantime, the National Labour Commission has called us, we will go and hear them. The truth of the matter is that a lot of stakeholders are involved in this. As soon as we issued the statement on the strike for July 10, as we expected, I can tell you that a number of people who care about this country have come, and they want to see how they can work with us as management,” the Secretary General of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah, said.

The Union said the three had their contracts terminated simply because they decided to join the Trades Union Congress which it said is against the labour laws of Ghana.

In exercise of its powers under Section 139 of the Labour Act 2003, Act 651, it has written to summon the parties—the TUC and the management of Sunon Asogli Power Plant Ghana Limited—to appear before the Commission for a hearing of the issues in dispute.

“On June 29, 2023, the NLC was served with a Notice of a nationwide strike dated June 26, 2023, by the TUC, the complainant body of Trade unions, against the management of Sunon Asogli Power Plant Ghana Limited, the Respondent company, and copied among others.

“The union alleges a violation of the fundamental rights of workers by the management of Sunon Asogli, in view of which TUC on behalf of Organized Labour Group has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike effective Monday, July 10th, 2023,” the NLC letter stated.

The Ministers of Employment and Labour Relations; Energy; and National Security were all copied accordingly.

Secretary-General of TUC, Dr Yaw Baah indicated that one of the options is to have the over 20 unions under TUC march to the Jubilee if government is yet to appreciate the severity of the matter at hand.

According to him, government’s action leaves much to be desired.

“The entire organised labour will be involved in this because it touches on our fundamental rights as workers of Ghana. Our constitutional rights are enshrined in the 1992 Constitution. We will never allow this to stand.”

“We will not allow the president to rest until he acts on this matter because he is the Commander-In-Chief and he has to uphold the constitution of this country. That is why we elected him.”

He was at a loss as he described the actions of the power company as a blatant disregard for the laws of the country.

“So if some Chinese investors come to Ghana to violate our laws enshrined in the constitution of Ghana, we expect the President to act. If the president doesn’t act, we will act.”

Scores of members of the union on Tuesday, March 9, 2023, clad in red, holding placards, singing and under police protection gathered at Kpone in the Greater Accra region and marched towards the premises of the power producer.

Asked if the TUC had engaged management of Sunon Asogli Power, Dr Baah responded in the affirmative with the said meeting yielding no positive results.

Aside management of the company, TUC said the issue has gone before the Employment and Labour Minister and others who matter but there hasn’t been any favourable outcome.   

National Chair of the Ghana Mine Workers Union, Kwarko Mensah Gyakari, in an interview with Joy Business believes their action is to send a clear signal to employers as to how to handle employee issues. 

“Sunon Asogli Power is willing to compensate the three dismissed local union leaders but that is not why we’re here. At the Labour Commission they said that those guys have done nothing wrong. They have decided that they are getting them off.

“The next action is going to follow from the Ghana Mine Workers and other unions and because of that, you are going to hear from us as to what we are going to do going forward. We will never, ever sit down for these things to continue for these Chinese guys to have their way.”

The TUC is displeased with the dismissal of three local union leaders at Sunon Asogli Power with some employees having decided to be part of Ghana Mine Workers Union.

The power company last week issued a release in which it stated that it is not against unionisation but the process in which it is done.

“Sunon Asogli is not and has never been against unionisation. Indeed, the company is aware of the right of our employees under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), to join a union. The issue has been about the procedure and approach adopted by the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union,” the statement read.

The company said it is working closely with relevant authorities to bring finality to the matter.

This follows the expiry of an ultimatum given by the unions for the company to reinstate the workers whose contracts were allegedly terminated on the basis that they joined the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union.

During the 2023 National May Day Parade, Secretary General of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah indicated that his outfit has already notified the Police in Tema about its intention to embark on the first solidarity action against the Chinese company.

“All union members in Tema and Accra should get ready for action on the 9th of May, 2023”, he said.

Dr Baah added “we will let them know that they cannot come from China to tell us what to do in our own country.”

He, however, appealed to President Akufo-Addo to intervene to avert any possible disturbances on the labour front.

Meanwhile, in an interview on BusinessLive on the JoyNews Channel, General Secretary of the Ghana Mineworkers Union, Abdul-Moomin Gbana, said co-founder of Sunon Asogli Togbe Afede XIV, who is also the Agbogbomefia of Asogli, recently indicated to the union, his preparedness to engage the company with the view to finding a more lasting solution to the matter.

According to Mr. Gbana, the expectation is that Togbe Afede XIV, based on the conversations that took place between both of them, will revert latest Monday May 8, 12023, for an amicable solution to avert the planned demonstration.

“Barring that arrangement we have with Togbe Afede, we believe that Tuesday, May 9 [2023] we are proceeding with our actions.

Meanwhile, the GMWU in its latest press statement dated May 4, 2023 has described as factual inaccuracies, misrepresentations and fabrication, a statement put out by the company captioned, ‘Sunon Asogli’s position on Matters Relating to Unionization.’

The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union said, together with the workers of Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited, it went through the necessary legal processes to acquire a Collective Bargaining Certificate that empowers the union to represent and negotiate with the company on behalf of the workers.

“At every material time during the unionization process, the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union did not only adopt the procedure and approach required by the law, but it also worked collaboratively with regulatory institutions of the state including the Labour Department of Ghana,” the statement added.

The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union and the TUC say they will not tolerate employers who are out there to suppress and oppress the rights and liberties of workers.

“Therefore, if by this resolve, Sunon Asogli finds the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union as “arrogant, aggressive and uncompromising”, that is unfortunate”, the statement added.

Speaking at the 2023 International Labour Day parade, he noted that government is aware of the impact of the Programme on workers and as such aimed to explore other beneficial options within debt sustainability limits with the cooperation of both Government and Organised Labour.

He said, “In undertaking the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, we have been very mindful of its potential impact on the pension funds of workers. We will not act in any way to short-change workers in protecting their pensions.”

President Akufo-Addo added, “In this regard, within global risk management practice, the options should include diversifying the portfolio of pension funds from the current 70% in government paper to real sector investments including rail, housing, urban transportation, motorways and airport as is done by other pension funds”.

This comes after the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, in April urged the Board of Trustees of pensions funds to allow for pension funds to be included in government’s new proposed debt restructuring offer.

The Minister in a signed release explained that the new proposal is aimed at alleviating the cash constraints on the government in the coming years, while fully compensating the Pension Funds for the value of their current holdings.

However, the request was met with opposition from many Ghanaians including organised labour.

GNAT stressed that the association will not back down on its agreement with the government for their pensions to be exempted.

Also speaking at the May Day parade, the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr Yaw Baah again cautioned the government not to go against its promise to not include pensioners in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.

“Mr. President please, do not touch our pension funds…Protecting pensions is our responsibility and we take it very seriously, to us, our first responsibility now is to continue to protect our pension funds from the domestic debt exchange programme.”

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo appealed to organised labour to work urgently with government to conclude the discussions within the spirit of social partnership and burden-sharing towards addressing our economic challenges and providing a stronger base for our rapid growth and development.

“I wish to emphasise that participation in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, voluntary as it was, was critical for the protection of the economy, and the enhancement of our capacity to service our public debts effectively and create fiscal space for our growth and development,” the president said.

“In the midst of the current economic crisis, we cannot risk defaulting in the payment of our public debts, which would attract severe consequences – hence the debt exchange programme,” he added.

According to the TUC, the current economic downturn can be improved should the government divert funds from non-essential spending towards more productive ventures to generate employment and revenue.

Speaking at the 2023 May Day celebration parade at Bolgatanga, the TUC General Secretary urged the government to halt spending on non-essentials like the National Cathedral.

He suggested that it would serve the country better if the project was converted from a cathedral to a national hospital instead.

“We have to change the situation ourselves as Ghanaians. We believe strongly that government can lead us out of this crisis, and the government can do so by cutting expenditure on non-essentials including the need to stop spending our hard-earned revenue on a national cathedral.

“The president has always said he wants to create another Notre Dame in Ghana so we can attract a lot of visitors but we disagree. In fact, comrades, it will be better to convert the project into a national hospital,” he said.

He further reiterated calls for the government to reduce its size to save costs.

“Mr President you can also reduce the size of your government. Ghana has too many ministers and deputy ministers.”

This year’s May Day celebration was on the theme ‘Protecting incomes and pensions in an era of economic crisis: Our responsibility.’

According to Dr Yaw Baah, it is the responsibility of the Union to protect their pension funds from the DDE programme and that is their main priority.

“We want to once again remind government that the memorandum of understanding he signed on December 22, 2022, stated clearly that all pension funds have been exempted from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, nothing has changed.

“So Mr. President please, do not touch our pension funds,” he said.

The Secretary General announced that the President has also assured the Union to pay the delayed lump sum to eligible pensioners who are yet to receive their top-ups.

“It’s always better late than never,” he said.

The International Labour Day Celebration which falls on May 1, each year was held earlier today at the Jubilee Park, Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.

Present at the Celebration was the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has urged the Board of Trustees of pensions funds to allow for pension funds to be included in government’s new proposed debt restructuring offer.

The Minister in a signed release explained that the new proposal is aimed at alleviating the cash constraints on the government in the coming years, while fully compensating the Pension Funds for the value of their current holdings.

This comes after organised Labour rejected the inclusion of pension funds in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.

Speaking at a press conference, General Secretary of the TUC, Dr. Yaw Baah said although the government has agreed to pay fifteen percent Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure, the TUC is determined to work together with other Labour Unions to end the unfairness in remuneration for public sector workers.

He said “The TUC and its affiliates have our eyes and minds firmly fixed on the outcome of the Single Spine Salary Review process currently underway. We are determined to work together with other organized Labour groups to end the unfairness in remunerations for public sector workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure on one hand and Article 71 office holders and State Owned Enterprises on the other hand.”

He emphasised, “we will not allow the class system in pay administration in favour of Article 71 office holders to continue, it must end now.”

The TUC also reiterated its objection to Ghana’s decision to seek support from the IMF. Dr. Yaw Baah said it will worsen the prevailing harsh economic conditions.

He said corruption and failure to transform the structure of the economy are responsible for the country’s lack of progress.

Dr. Yaw Baah said “we have already communicated our objection to the decision to seek an IMF bailout for the umpteenth time. We are convinced that an IMF programme will not solve our problems. It will only impose hardships on Ghanaians”.

READ ALSO:

• Foreigner who chased, assaulted car park attendant at airport arrested

• You rejected GHS200K lump sum; NPP has no money for you – Kwabena Agyepong told [Audio]

• I forgot about education because of money, I regret choosing money – Cee of Mentor fame

The Union insists the trust has failed in delivering on its mandate. 

The Secretary-General of the Union, Dr Yaw Baah, made the call at a media engagement on Monday, July 18.

His reasons for the demand included the disparities in the pension scheme and the low pension premium paid to public sector retirees.

”The essence of SSNIT is completely gone. What is social security for people who earn GH¢300? I can assure you if it wasn’t pushed further to GH¢300 there would still be people who earn lesser than that.

”How can someone who is paid GH¢40,000 be paying SSNIT whereas another who earns about GHS300 be deducted also?”

Dr Baah also assured its members that although the government has agreed to pay 15 percent Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) to workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure, the TUC is determined to work together with other Labour Unions to end the unfairness in remuneration for public sector workers.

“The TUC and its affiliates have our eyes and minds firmly fixed on the outcome of the Single Spine Salary Review process currently underway. 

“We are determined to work together with other organized Labour groups to end the unfairness in remunerations for public sector workers on the Single Spine Salary Structure on one hand and Article 71 office holders and State Owned Enterprises on the other hand.”

Meanwhile, this is not the move by the Union as it has vowed to end what it describes as a “class system” in pay administration in favour of Article 71 office holders.

“We will not allow the class system in pay administration in favour of Article 71 office holders to continue, it must end now.

“The union once again reiterated its objection to Ghana’s decision to seek support from the IMF,” Dr Baah added. 

The TUC also reiterated its objection to Ghana’s decision to seek support from the IMF. Dr Baah said it will worsen the prevailing harsh economic conditions.

He said corruption and failure to transform the structure of the economy are responsible for the country’s lack of progress.

Dr. Baah said “we have already communicated our objection to the decision to seek an IMF bailout for the umpteenth time. We are convinced that an IMF programme will not solve our problems. It will only impose hardships on Ghanaians.”

The Trades Union Congress has warned its members may join the ongoing strike declared by teacher unions should the government fail to pay the allowance.

Currently, four teacher unions who are on strike to demand the payment of a cost of living allowance have vowed to continue with the industrial action despite the government’s persuasion.

A meeting with the government on the matter on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, ended inconclusively.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress, Joshua Ansah, said the government’s posture over the COLA payment may push them to join the strike.

“There is nothing to negotiate over. Everyone is requesting what is due them. We are all preparing to go on strike if the government does not give us anything reasonable. We all want better Cost of Living Allowances.”

Meanwhile, the government is pleading with the four teacher unions and other unions who have expressed interest in joining the strike to bear with the government.

According to the union, the country is in challenging times and so any astronomical increase in tariffs could trigger social upheavals.

The TUC made it’s stands clear at a forum where each of the utility companies presented its proposal, as submitted to the PURC for a major review of tariffs for electricity and water for the period 2022 to 2027, to the union.

The companies are the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Northern Electricity Development Company (NEDCo), the Enclave Power Company (EPC) and the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL).

Demands

The VRA is asking for a tariff increase of 37 per cent, which is an increase in the bulk generation charge (BGC) from GH ¢0.28.2273/kWh to GH ¢0.38.6879/kWh, while GRIDCo is proposing a 48 per cent increase in the transmission charge.

The ECG is demanding a 148 per cent increase in tariffs for 2022 alone; NEDCo is looking for a 113 per cent increase for 2022, while the GWCL is seeking an increase of more than 300 per cent.

Recommendation

The TUC, in its perspective paper, said if the proposals were granted by the PURC, it would result in very significant increases in end-user tariffs for electricity and water.

“This is not the time for a major review of utility tariffs. We do not need astronomical increases in tariffs in these challenging times. Rather, what we need are measures that will reduce waste to the barest minimum and infuse efficiency in the operations of the utility companies to sustain them over a long period of time.

“The ECG must collect its revenues, stop illegal connections and close the gap between its billing and electricity sales. The GWCL must do more metering and stop charging flat rates. The government must consider absorbing some of the losses of the utilities arising out of the current levels of inflation and currency depreciation,” it said.

It further urged the government to provide needed resources for the utilities to undertake critical investments in the generation, transmission and distribution of both electricity and water.

Desalination project

On the desalination project in Accra, the TUC underscored the need for the government to address the challenges posed by the project.

“This 25-year take-or-pay contract is so unfair to the nation. At the current rate, the GWCL is obliged to pay Befesa Co. Ltd US$1.3 million every month, whether the company produces water or not.

“During periods of the year, especially in August when the turbidity levels of seawater is such that the Befesa Plant cannot produce the required water, the GWCL is still obliged to pay the company.

“The company (Befesa) has consistently failed to provide the contracted volumes of water, and the contract cannot be abrogated even when the company consistently fails to produce water for which the contract was signed,” it added.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has rejected government’s claim that it cannot afford to remove taxes on petroleum products.

It says government must strive to provide incentives that will cushion industry players and consumers who are reeling from the impact of high fuel prices in the country.

According to the Secretary-General of TUC, Dr Yaw Baah, other countries “gave money to their citizens” at the height of fuel price increment, which did not run them into losses; hence, government has no excuse for denying calls for the removal of petroleum taxes.

“I think this is a social investment that we need to do to bring calm to society to avoid any problems from the social groups, I hope the President will take this again,” he told JoyNews in an interview.

There has been a significant sustained increase in the price of petroleum products at the pumps influenced largely by global events but also aggravated by a raft of government taxes.

ALSO READ:

• Popular Ghanaian sports journalist passes on
• E-levy: Mobile Money Agents send SOS message to members
• New information reveals Ghana’s penalty vs Uruguay shouldn’t have stood

Organised labour has been agitating for the removal of some of the taxes.

 But President Akufo-Addo declared during the May Day celebration on Sunday that he will not remove the taxes, insisting it will cost the government ¢4 billion a year.

He said government was currently confronted by very tight financing conditions, in the wake of inadequate domestic revenue mobilisation.

“Indeed, some of the revenues from these same taxes on petroleum products is what is used to pay some of the salaries of some of the 700,000 public sector workers on Government’s payroll.”

“We, therefore, continue to be vulnerable to the price volatilities of the world market for petroleum products,” Mr Akufo-Addo explained.

This has been met with fierce opposition from the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which has resolved to continue pushing for the possible removal of the taxes.

“I did not agree fully with the President saying that ‘if I remove all taxes on petroleum, Ghana will lose ¢4 billion.’ I don’t understand what he meant by loss. If you give something to your citizens, you haven’t lost anything.

“The President only looked at the money aspect in terms of quantum or whatever he said he was going to lose,” Dr Yaw Baah argued.

Meanwhile, the TUC wants government to, as a matter of urgency, review the single spine pay policy and pay workers a living wage.

“As we speak, minimum wage earners in Ghana are currently receiving ¢13.53 for a whole day’s work or ¢365 for a whole month’s work. This is below the 1.9-dollar international poverty line at the current exchange rate…salaries have lost over a third of their real value as prices of essential commodities, including food and fuel continue to increase on daily basis.’’

Dr Baah lamented the “poor structuring” of the salary of Public Sector employees, which he said also affected pensions particularly, those not captured under the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

He said the suggestion was not a sustainable one because, “removing taxes on petroleum products will reduce government revenues by some four billion cedis (GHC4 billion).”

Addressing organized labour at this year’s May Day celebration at the Independence Square in Accra, the President said “At this time, when we are determined to expand Government revenues to increase our capacity to finance our own development, can we afford to reduce tax revenues by four billion cedis (GH¢4 billion)?

The President was responding to a request by the Secretary-General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress, Dr Yaw Baah, for the government to suspend all taxes and levies on petroleum products, to mitigate the current economic hardship facing Ghanaians because of hikes in fuel prices, food commodities, and transport fares.

President Akufo-Addo said the Government was currently confronted by very tight financing conditions, in the wake of inadequate domestic revenue mobilization.

“Indeed, some of the revenues from these same taxes on petroleum products is what is used to pay some of the salaries of some of the 700,000 public sector workers on Government’s payroll.”

The President announced that the government was addressing the issue of fuel price increases by implementing measures that are succeeding in stabilising the exchange rate, which is a key determinant of fuel prices.

He said that Government was also working hard to ensure reliable supply and availability of petroleum products to prevent shortages being experienced in some neighboring countries.

President Akufo-Addo reminded Ghanaians that even though the nation was a modest producer of crude oil, with a current output of 148,000 barrels per day, “we are still a net importer of petroleum products.

“We, therefore, continue to be vulnerable to the price volatilities of the world market for petroleum products.”

The President however, said intense efforts were underway to rehabilitate the Tema Oil Refinery, to enable it to contribute to stabilise petroleum prices, which he hoped would soon materialize.

He also disclosed that the government was encouraging private companies to establish refineries in the country, one of which was 80 per cent complete and expected to be commissioned before the end of the year.

He said the high prices of fuel, with negative effect on food and commodity prices, was impacting workers’ wages badly and affecting the standard of living.

“We, therefore, call on Government to suspend all taxes and all levies on petrol and diesel and LPG concurrently until the international price of crude oil and the value of the Cedi has stabilised. This will bring down prices of fuel products and ease the burden on Ghanaians.”

He appealed to President Akufo-Addo on Sunday at the May Day parade held at the Black Star Square in Accra to intervene and improve the ordinary Ghanaian worker’s purchasing power.

Dr Baah called on Government to, as a matter of urgency, review the single spine pay policy and pay workers living wage.

“As we speak, minimum wage earners in Ghana are currently receiving 13 cedis 53 pesewas for a whole day’s work or 365 cedis for a whole month’s work. This is below the 1.9-dollar international poverty line at the current exchange rate…salaries have lost over a third of their real value as prices of essential commodities, including food and fuel continue to increase on daily basis.’’

He lamented over the “poor structuring” of the salary of Public Sector employees, which he said also affected pensions particularly, those not captured under the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

According to the the TUC, this will help better the lot of public sector workers across the country.

Speaking at this year’s May Day Celebration at the Black Star Square, the General Secretary of the TUC, Dr. Yaw Baah, also called for an overhaul of government’s single spine salary structure, removal of petroleum taxes and an increase in the minimum wage to bring relief to the public sector workforce.

“I will like to conclude with a very very special request to you. Given the rising cost of living, we will like to humbly appeal to you, to use your executive powers to grant a cost of living allowance of at least 20% to all public service workers.

I will like to appeal to you, to use your executive powers to grant a COLA of at least 20% to all public sector workers.

Here, I’m not talking only about those on single spine. I’m also talking about the Armed Forces, the Police Service, the Prison Service, the Immigration Service, the Fire Service and all the security and intelligence agencies. The cost of living allowance must also be extended to workers in the private sector who’re earning just GH¢365 per month”, he stated.

He also added that, “We also expect that this will be extended to all those pensioners on the SSNIT scheme who’re earning just GH¢300 a month.

Mr. President, this will not only cushion workers and pensioners from the harsh effects of inflation. But even more importantly, it will prevent mass poverty in this country amongst the working people, who’re contributing so much to the development of our country”.

Dr. Baah reiterated the increasing cost of living in the country, and wondered why Ghanaians continue to suffer, despite the country’s assets.

“Mr. President, Ghanaians are suffering too much. This is not the country that was envisaged by our leaders who fought with their tears and blood to gain independence for us.

God has endowed us gold, diamond, forest, ocean, oil and other resources, therefore nothing can justify the high incidents of severe poverty, destitution and suffering in Ghana today, 65 years today.

It is obvious to us that the numerous IMF programmes in Ghana did not work. It is also clear to us that the partisan approach to dealing with Ghana’s problems is not working”, he said.

The body has justified the demand, insisting they will continue to strike until government fully commits to paying the money.

CLOGSAG says its members will not join the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the celebration of this year’s Workers’ Day on May 1, 2022.

Addressing the media, Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, Isaac Bampoe Addo described TUC as a poisonous union.

He maintained that CLOGSAG has the bargaining power to seek conditions of service for its members.

Mr Bampoe Addo who accused TUC of acting in bad faith said they will organise their own activities across the country to mark the May Day celebration.

ALSO READ:

• Govt to pay CLOGSAG’s ‘neutrality allowance’ in October

• Go to sleep and mind your own business – CLOGSAG boss ‘attacks’ Franklin Cudjoe

• CLOGSAG playing politics with neutrality allowance or not; top executive sets records straight [Listen]

Members of CLOGSAG laid down their tools on Thursday, April 21, 2022, following the inability of the government to pay the allowance as agreed upon in January this year.

The neutrality allowance is to ensure that civil and local government workers do not engage in partisanship while conducting their affairs when they are in their various offices.

The union insists the strike is on and will only be called off when the government is firm on its promise to pay them.

Listen to the audio below for more:

According to her, the name of the allowance, which has been largely considered controversial, should not take away the substance and significance of the allowance to the average public sector worker.

She stated that just as other workers have risk allowances, it was necessary for all public sector workers to be compensated for the opportunity cost of the work they do at their various stations.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, she said, “Because the reference was made of GBC that for instance radiation allowance, and then I have worked in GBC before so I know about night and risk allowances. You have people working the whole night through, and move into the studio at night to work when everybody is asleep.

“If you didn’t give them night allowance, or they were working with machines, or they were working with transmitters, etc. that we know has high levels of radiation, if you didn’t give them that, what would you give them?

“And so we need to look at the specifics and then we can ascribe whatever compensation there is to it. I mean, we have had situations where workers for instance are taken for granted, and it gets to the point that you as an ordinary worker say to yourself ‘no more of this’.

“You know whatever name is put to it, whatever or however it is termed, there are substances to these things and that is what we need to look at. If people have worked and they deserve for you to give them a risk or neutrality or however you want to call it, please let’s go to the substance of the issue and stop putting names to them,” she said.

Meanwhile, the government after a meeting with the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has agreed to commence the payment of the Neutrality allowance by the last quarter of 2022.

This follows a strike action embarked on by CLOGSAG members to protest the government’s failure to pay the allowance starting February 2022 as earlier promised.

The government, however, through the Head of Loca Government Services, Dr. Nana Ato Arthur has expressed its discontentment with the name of the allowance.

Dr. Ato Arthur said “forget about the terminology that we called it because that terminology or nomenclature doesn’t sit well with us as government. So let’s have a team to look at how it is going to be called. However that allowance we’ll give to you effective the last quarter of the year.”

Addressing members at an organised labour pre-May Day Forum 2022, on Thursday, the General Secretary of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah, noted that since 2021, fuel prices have shot up a significant number of times, as a result, transport fares have increased, thereby affecting the prices of goods.

Dr Baah stressed that these are hard times, therefore, workers should not be allowed to suffer alone. He stressed that salaries must be increased to alleviate the economic pressure.

“In July, 2021, when we were negotiating public sector pay for 2021 and 2022, inflation was just 9%. As we speak, it has reached 19.4%. This has taken a toll on every worker in government.

“The sad aspect is that this 19.4% is the average. When you actually check, you realise that even the price of water has gone up by 27%. The price of oil has gone up by 25%. This is not normal, we are in a crisis, and therefore, workers should not be allowed to suffer alone. Government should at least increase our salaries to relieve us of the pressure,” he said.

Rising cost of food pushed inflation rate in the month of March, 2022 to 19.4%, the highest since August, 2009, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed.

Foodstuffs such as Oil and Fats (28.2%), Water (27.1%), Cereal Products (25.0%), Vegetables (23.8%), Fish and Other Seafood (23.7%), Fruits and Nuts (22.1%), Soft Drinks (20.5%) and Live Animals and Meat (20.2%) recorded inflation rate, higher than the national average.

According to the figures, food inflation recorded a rate of 22.4% in March 2022, compared to 17.4% in February 2022.

Non-food inflation, however, recorded a rate of 17.0% in March, 2021, from 14.5% recorded in February, 2022.

Transport including fuel recorded the highest inflation rate of 27.6%, followed by Housing with an inflation rate of 21.4%.

Meanwhile, TUC says it will not accept any excuse from government in relation to the improvement of their conditions service for this year.

According to Dr Baah, government cannot to ride on the Ukraine-Russia war to refuse the Union an increase in salary.

This follows what it describes as falling revenues below expenditure, leading to rising deficit and debt levels.

In its review of the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policies of government, the TUC expressed worry about the worsening living standards, emanating from the high cost of living, low pay and joblessness.

However, it welcomed the suspension of the Stabilization and Recovery levies on petrol, diesel, and LPG, but called for permanent removal of levies on petroleum products as demanded by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union.

“Ghanaians are struggling. Government must come to their aid,” it pointed out.

Furthermore, organised labour said “there is an urgent need to plug the loopholes in the tax system. We supported the establishment of the Revenue Assurance, Compliance and Enforcement (RACE). We asked government to pass the tax exemption bill and move further to streamline the exemptions regime. We asked government to pay more attention to property taxation and work with the District/Municipal/Metropolitan Assemblies to collect property taxes,” it said as part of its pre-budget propositions.

It, however, said “we see no response on the suggestion to increase the tax rates on tobacco, alcohol, and property and drinks with high sugar content”, though it applauded government for some initiatives to be taken in 2022 including intensifying the Revenue Assurance and Compliance Enforcement (RACE), a modification of the Tax Exemptions Bill which will be passed and implemented in 2022 and the implementation of a staff rationalisation exercise.

1.75% E-Levy

On the 1.75% Electronic Transaction Levy, the TUC called for assessment of the levy to see if it meets the requirement of a good tax.

It also wants to find out the impact of the abolishment of road toll on government revenues.

Employment

With regard to employment, it urged the government to consider reviewing the various public sector employment programmes and explore the possibility of integrating them.

“We expected the 2022 Budget to address the problems that inhibit the expansion of the private sector in the most aggressive way. We asked the government and the relevant public institutions to secure markets for domestic firms locally and externally. We urged the government to invest in employment data to allow for assessment of the impact of government policies on employment,” it said.

The TUC also proposed a “Productivity Week” every year which will bring all social partners together to highlight the issues about productivity.

However, it expressed worry that nothing was said about the review of the existing public employment programmes as well as employment data.

Pensions

For pensions, the TUC asked the government, as a matter of urgency, to fulfil the promise to top-up the lump-sum for those who retired in 2020 and those who are retiring in 2021, whilst proposing an amendment of Act 766 to postpone the full implementation of the pension reforms regarding pension benefits (including lumpsum benefits) until 2031, amongst others.

However, it said the budget didn’t prioritise these demands/requests and suggestions.

Public pay

On the public pay, organised labour said it drew the government’s attention to the low pay on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), the pay inequities between workers on the SSSS, State-Owned Enterprises and Article 71, amongst others.

However, it expressed concern that the budget had no word on the possible review of the SSSS and bridging the growing pay gap in the public sector.

Mr Arhin’s demand stems from what he said were claims made in a statement by the TUC Secretary, Dr Yaw Baah, that the duo had already been paid salaries as recommended by the Prof Ntiamoa-Baidu Emoluments Committee. 

“Salary arrears dated back to January 2017 have since been paid to the wives of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia, in accordance with the [Ntiamoa-Baidu] Committee’s recommendation which was approved by the National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party Members of Parliament in January 2021,” part of the TUC statement read.

Reacting to the development in a Facebook post, Mr Arhin said Dr Baah was wrong as no such salary arrears had been paid.

ALSO READ:

• Samira to refund allowances paid her as she rejects new emoluments

• Rebecca Akufo-Addo to refund GHC899,097 allowances paid her, rejects salary payment

Read the post below:

Speaking at the 11th Quadrennial Congress of the Trades Union Congress, on Tuesday, 23rd March 2021, he acknowledged, at the height of the pandemic, Government instituted several measures and interventions to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on lives and livelihoods.

“These measures sustained the economy, restored some lost jobs and incomes, whilst opening windows of new opportunities for others. The time has now come for us to take the next set of actions required for the sustained recovery of the economy,” he said.

These sets of action, he explained, have been outlined in the 2021 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government.

“The truth of the matter is that we are not in normal times, and I appeal to all Ghanaians, including Organised Labour, to assist Government in this endeavour to help rebuild our public finances and economy. We need to mobilise additional resources to cater for the new challenges confronting us whilst meeting other statutory requirements,” the President said.

He continued: “I, therefore, urge all Ghanaian workers to bear with government in these unusual and rather challenging times. I am confident that sooner, rather than later, and together, we can create the happy, progressive and prosperous nation we all desire.”

Whilst appreciating the concerns expressed by a section of Ghanaians, especially, with regards to imposition of some new taxes, President Akufo-Addo reiterated that “salary increments for public sector workers have not been frozen for the next four years”.

The President told the gathering that, but for the onset on COVID-19, all the macroeconomic indices, between 2017 and 2020, were all pointing in the right direction, evidenced by a cut in the fiscal deficit, stability of the currency, reduced cost of borrowing, and annual GDP growth rates of 7%, with Ghana, within the period, becoming the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in West Africa.

“COVID-19 resulted in a drastic slowdown in economic activity and a huge drop in domestic revenues, combined with a sharp and unplanned hike in COVID-related expenditures. In sum, this unprecedented crisis led to a sudden shortfall in Government revenues amounting to some thirteen billion, six hundred thousand cedis (GH¢13.6 billion), and an unexpected and unavoidable rise in expenditures of some eleven billion, seven hundred thousand cedis (GH¢11.7 billion), he said.

The 2021 budget, the President explained, has set the goal of reducing the budget deficit gradually from 11.7% in 2020 to less than 5% by 2024, whilst growing the economy and creating jobs.

“To accomplish this, additional sources of revenue are required, and that is the reason why the budget introduced four key revenue measures to improve on sanitation and pollution, improve the health sector, and defray the cost of the financial sector clean-up,” he added.

In addition to this, President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that, towards revitalising and modernising the Ghanaian economy, and returning it to high and sustained growth for the next three years, Government has developed and is currently implementing the one hundred-billion-cedi (GH¢100 billion) Ghana CARES ‘Obaatampa’ Programme.

According to the President, “Government, through SSNIT, would pay the difference in the lump sum payments, between beneficiaries of PNDC Law 247 and those of Act 766, for those retiring in 2020, with effect from 1^st January to 31^st December 2020.”

The President made this known on Tuesday when he commissioned the refurbished Hall of Trade Unions at the Trades Union Congress in Accra.

He recalled the contents of a letter dated 24^th August 2020, sent to him by the Secretary-General, on behalf of the TUC, requesting his intervention to “correct the injustice and unfairness in the implementation of the three-tier pension system.”

He told the gathering that he referred this matter to the Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo, who, after careful studies and deliberations, has laid out the position of government in this matter.

Indeed, 2020 marks the transition year where all public sector workers, retiring under the Three-Tier Pension Scheme, are having their pensions paid under the National Pensions Act, 2008, Act 766. 

Though Act 766 clearly offers higher monthly pensions and better lifetime benefits to workers compared to the erstwhile PNDC Law 247, some workers may receive a lower lump sum (made up of the past credit paid by SSNIT and the Tier-2) compared to that paid under PNDCL 247), with the President adding that “a Committee will be established to supervise the implementation of this decision” to ensure that equity prevails and no pensioner is made worse off.

Refurbished Hall

Touching on the refurbishment, President Akufo-Addo stated that in the run-up to the December 2016 elections, as part of several stakeholder engagements he held, he was at the Hall of Trade Unions, where he interacted with the leadership of the TUC, and outlined his vision for the transformation of the country, if he was elected President of the Republic.

“Indeed, the state of the Hall of Trade Unions, at the time of my visit in 2016, and in the early years of my administration, would have made the likes of Pobee Biney, Vidal Quist and their successors very sad,” he said.

Recognising and appreciating the efforts and sacrifices TUC has made towards the construction of the happy and prosperous Ghana, he said that “that is why when government received the request from the leadership of the TUC to assist it to refurbish the Hall, we did not hesitate.

“I have been told by the Minister for Finance that government’s contribution to this refurbishment was GH¢12.7 million.”

This refurbished Hall, he explained, is a fitting and proper tribute to the memory and work of the leadership of the TUC of yesteryear and today, leaders such as Joe-Fio Meyer, John Tettegah, B.A Bentum, A.M. Issifu, A.K. Yankey, Christian Appiah Agyei, Kwasi Adu Amankwah and Kofi Asamoah.

“I am glad to state that the relationship between Government and Organised Labour has been one of cordiality, co-operation and mutual respect. I continue to be reassured by the determination of Organised Labour and its leadership to rally behind Government to create a progressive nation, buoyed on by faster economic growth rates, and driven by the quest for decent jobs,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo continued: “I have been heartened by this, and I am determined, for as long as I remain, President of the Republic, to continue even more firmly on this path of co-operation and collaboration on which we have embarked to the benefit of the working people of our country.”

Thanking President Akufo-Addo for “the excellent leadership you have provided us to save us from the horrible situation we are witnessing in other countries, particularly Europe and the US”, the TUC boss stated that “the restrictions on movement have yielded some positive results, and we are all witnesses to this.”

Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah added that “Yesterday, you eased some of these restrictions and emphasized that some of these restrictions must be complied with strictly. We think it is the right thing to do, given the dire economic consequences of prolonged restriction.”

The TUC Secretary-General made this known on Monday, when, at the invitation the President, he held discussions on measures to combat the spread of the Coronavirus in the country.

Describing the impact of the health crisis on employment in Ghana as “mind-boggling”, Dr. Yaw Baah told the President that “businesses are collapsing in almost all the sectors of the economy, many people have already lost their jobs, and many more would have lost their jobs without the easing of these restrictions.”

He continued, “The fight of this coronavirus is a shared responsibility. We think you and your government are doing what is expected of you. It is time for us Ghanaians to do our part as individuals by observing the safety protocols that will protect us and others from this deadly virus”.

The TUC Boss used the opportunity to thank all health workers, the security personnel, utility workers, the media and all other workers, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Information for providing all the essential services to the people of Ghana during this crisis.

“You risk your lives every day to protect the rest of us. You have made us very proud as workers’ leaders and so we pray that God blesses you abundantly. Mr. President, that is why we appreciate the incentive package that you have put together for health workers. These workers deserve the package. The tax reliefs, the 50% salary increase, will provide the incentive for them to work even more diligently as we continue this fight against the virus,” he added.

With workers resuming work from Monday, he urged all local branch division and national unions to work with their employers to ensure strict compliance with the various protocols in the fight against this virus.

He revealed further that, with May Day some eleven (11) days away, “we have decided to cancel all the national and regional parades that have become the main feature of May Day celebrations in our country in compliance with the ban on public gatherings but all is not lost.”

Nonetheless, he revealed that the Director General of GBC, Professor Amin Alhassan, has assured the TUC of a live television programme “to enable us to reach out to workers with a very strong message on the need for each and every worker to protect himself or herself and their families from this virus. We would like to invite you to join us to reach out to the working people of Ghana with a message of solidarity and encouragement in these difficult times.”

Dr. Yaw Baah reassured President Akufo-Addo that “the working people of Ghana, will continue to play a role in the effort to restore growth to our economy so that businesses will flourish once again and workers can keep their jobs and those who don’t have jobs now also have jobs. Finally, they should be able to defeat not only the coronavirus but also poverty.”

Fuel prices went beyond ¢5 per litre during last pricing window, causing many interest groups to call on the government to step in and provide some cushion.

Already, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC) has called for “an immediate national dialogue” on constant fuel price increases.

In a press release issued in Accra, Monday, on the recent fuel price increase, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) urged the government to scrap taxes driving up the price of the commodity, reminding the Nana Akufo-Addo government that it promised to abolish the taxes during the 2016 electioneering campaign.

READ ALSO: I didn’t influence Startimes deal – First Lady denies allegations

“In its manifesto for election 2016, the NPP had promised Ghanaians a reduction in fuel prices. This was to be achieved through abolishing of some of the taxes in the petroleum price build-up and a competent management of the economy such that exchange rate losses will not translate into higher fuel prices.

“After more than 18 months in government, fuel prices have gone up by an average of more than 25 percent. Between January 2017 and now fuel prices have been adjusted upwards on 16 different occasions. This was not what Ghanaians were promised. In this same period, the minimum wage has gone by 20 per cent. The Base Pay on the Single Spine Salary Structure, from which most public sector workers are paid, has also increased by about 24 per cent. Given that fuel increases tend to have very noisy rippling effect on general price levels, the frequent upward adjustments as experienced in the last few months has considerably eroded incomes and worsened the plight of Ghanaian workers and their families,” TUC said in the release.

The TUC also condemned a recent comment by Energy Minister, John Peter Amewu, that the price of petrol, diesel and gasoline would have been higher if government had not intervened.

READ ALSO: We won’t take politically expedient But Economically Unsustainable Policy Decisions”

Addressing a press conference in the wake of public criticism of the fuel price increases, Mr Amewu said the price hikes under the previous John Mahama government would have been higher.

“Without government’s intervention, prices today would have been ¢5.54 per litre for petrol and ¢5.55 for diesel. So what it means that the price we are paying today, if the Mahama-led administration was still in power, you would have been paying quite close to between nine and 10 percent higher than the current prices that Ghanaians are paying.”

The TUC said that comparison is unfortunate.

READ ALSO: Student grabbed for defiling 14-year-old girl

“It is important for government and its functionaries to understand that dealing with matters as important as fuel prices, we eschew conjectures. The reality is that the Mahama-led administration is no longer in power. [Akufo-Addo-led] administration is in power. And despite the interventions the Minster talked about, fuel prices are rising and Ghanaians are unhappy about it. We require leadership and solutions on how to bring down the prices and not sermon on what would have happened if Mahama-led administration were to be in office,” the statement signed by Acting TUC General Secretary, Joshua Ansah, said.

Click on this link to access the full statement by the TUC on the recent fuel price hike.

The TUC said it was unhappy about how the security personnel mishandled the victim, Madam Patience Osafo and therefore called on the law enforcement agency to ensure that the man involved in the incidence was brought to book as a matter of urgency.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Friday evening, Mr Joshua Ansah, the Deputy Secretary General of the TUC said: “I condemn the act” adding that the authorities should let the Policeman face the law.

RELATED STORY: Midland saga: Woman assaulted by police a spy – Akua Donkor (Audio)

He should not only be apprehended, but to be made to face the law for the damages caused the woman and the baby.

He called on the authorities to ensure that the woman in question went to the hospital to do the necessary medical tests and ensure that she was mentally sound and free from the brutality meted out to her.

“The woman must be made to see to a psychologist and that she should be counselled to calm her nerves down and she needs to be fully compensated for the damages she had suffered from the armed police personnel.”

RELATED STORY: Bullion van driver ‘killer’ arrested

Mr Ansah said the financial institution should be made to equally face the law for allowing such a thing to happen in their premises adding that ‘as a Unionist, you do not allow such a thing to happen to any employee or anybody in your premises in this country.’

He suggested that the branch should be closed down immediately to prevent other customers from falling prey to similar situations if management cherished the lives of other vulnerable citizenry.

On Friday, there was a public outcry on social media after a video of an armed police officer brutalising a lactating mother went viral.

RELATED STORY: Midland Brutality: K-NET responds to “slow internet” claims by bank

The video clearly showed how the policeman identified by the Ghana Police Service as Godzi Frederick Amanor, hitting the woman on her head with an umbrella and further punching her in the face.

It later emerged that the incident happened at the Shiashie branch of Midland Savings and Loans in the capital city, Accra, where the Police Service has since arrested the personnel and the processes of criminal charges commenced.

The Mindland Savings and Loans had also apologised to the customer, who was recorded being brutalised by the Police Officer.

The Company also confirmed that the incident took place at the said branch and also condemned the brutality meted out to the customer.

Making a presentation at the World Public Services Day on the topic, ‘The Impact of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) Regimes and Public: Public, Social Status,’ recently in Accra, Eric Amoadu-Boateng, Deputy Head of the Organisation Department of the GTUC, said current information revealed that Africa and Ghana were losing from Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and harmful tax incentives as well as practices.

The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), in partnership with the Tax Justice Coalition and the Public Service International, organised the event.

He cited an Action-Aid report on investment in Ghana, which found that the country was losing over $ 1.2 billion annually due to tax incentives.

He added that 41 percent of trade tax and 28 percent of direct tax and VAT revenues were lost through exemptions in 2012.”

Pointing out that tax justice and IFFs were now topical issues in Africa, Mr Amoadu-Boateng said a high-level panel on IFFs indicated that the continent losses about $60 billion annually.

“However, we find ourselves not investing enough in infrastructure that could deliver quality public goods and services, which are critical in addressing inequality and poverty.

“Ghana, as a country, was also loosing huge revenues from taxes through tax exemptions, fraud/corruption and price transfers, tax evasion, tax avoidance and other illicit transfers by companies.”

He revealed that corporate tax abuses could also be found in other sectors such as the power, petroleum and mining through stability clauses and model agreements.

On the impact of IFFs on fiscal regime and public, Mr Amoadu-Boateng mentioned revenue shortfalls resulting in deficits; declaring that a weak fiscal regime impeded government’s ability to execute fiscal policy.

He said over the last decade, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has averaged about six percent but it has not led to any significant creation of employment.

Linda Ofori-Kwafo, Executive Director of the GII, said the commemoration of the World Public Services Day was to deepen the understanding of workers and the public about tax justice and its direct connection with efficient delivery of public services.

She said there was a global push for multinationals to pay their fair share of tax to fund quality public services and sustainable economic development.

Frederick Opare-Ansah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Suhum, who is also a Member of the African Parliamentarians Network on Illicit Financial Flows and Tax (APNIFFT), said the Network planned to spearhead the fight against illicit financial flows in Africa.

In the recent incident, the Mantrac management have deducted a total of GHC33.72 from each worker’s May 2017 salary and given them to ICU even though the workers had withdrawn their membership from ICU as of April 10, 2017.

The workers have since 2015 been trying to leave the ICU to join the Ghana Mined Workers Union (GMWU), but the management of the company have seemingly connived with ICU to prevent the workers from leaving.

The workers first presented their withdrawal letters to ICU on August 4, 2015 but ICU claimed they never got those letters so management kept deducting workers’ dues for ICU until the workers embarked on a strike last year, leading to the sack of over 60 workers.

The matter then went to the National Labour Commission (NLC), where the workers were asked to present another set of withdrawal letters to ICU for good measure.

After months of back and forth, on January 10, 2017, the workers presented the second set of withdrawal letters to ICU through DHL, and the letters were received at ICU with a DHL Receipt to show as evidence.

The DHL Receipt, available to Adom News, shows the letter was received by Industrial and Commercial Workers Union with an address in the name of Solomon S. A. Kotei (ICU Chairman) at 8.10am on the said date.

Copies of the withdrawal letters were also sent to NLC and GMWU, and both of them have confirmed receiving the letters, while the management of Mantrac was also duly notified and they have confirmed same.

The withdrawal rules at ICU says that three months after presenting the withdrawal letters, the workers automatically cease to be members of the ICU, and that date fell on April 10, 2017.

Indeed, on May 8, 2017, the HR Manager at Mantrac, Kingsley J. Amoako-Mensah wrote to ICU telling them that from May, 2017, workers dues will no more be given to ICU but to GMWU, as per the workers instructions.

In spite of that letter from the Mantrac HR, and in spite of the DHL Receipt, ICU still claims they have not received any notice of the workers’ withdrawal and so this month of May, the Mantrac Management have still deducted dues from workers and given them to ICU.

The workers got their May salary slips on May 24, 2017 and it clearly reflected two deductions of GHC16.86 each, totaling GHC33.72 from each worker to the ICU.

Chairman of GMWU, Kuako Mensah Gyakari told Adom News the Mantrac Management agreed to deduct the May dues for GMWU so it still beats his mind why they made deductions for ICU.

He suspects that the Mantrac Management are intentionally setting a trap for the workers to react so they can sack them like they did the last time a similar incident occurred.

“The last time the management did a similar thing in connivance with the ICU the workers went on a two-hour strike and management sacked 69 of them – I think they are doing a similar thing this time and that is not fair,” he said.

Kuako Mensah Gyakari said they have therefore asked the workers to remain calm for GMWU to take up the matter at the NLC.

Lawyer for the workers, Benjamin Arthur said the conduct of the Mantrac management is inexplicable and is a violation of the work’s fundamental constitutional right to form or join an association of their choice.

He says the deduction for ICU in May is a one violation to many so the law must take its course.

Efforts to reach the Mantrac HR Manager to explain why he wrote to ICU informing them the workers’ May dues will be given to GMWU, and yet he still made deductions for ICU proved futile.