Organised Labour has announced a nationwide strike set to commence on October 10, 2024, following the government’s failure to address concerns related to illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey.”
In a press statement released after an emergency meeting on Tuesday, Organised Labour expressed its dissatisfaction with the government’s inaction, stating that it had given authorities ample time to respond to their demands but to no avail.
“Following the expiration of our deadline, and the failure of government to meet our demands on illegal mining (galamsey), Organised Labour has decided to declare a nationwide strike with effect from October 10, 2024,” the statement said.
The union is calling on all workers across the country to stay at home starting Thursday, October 10, 2024, until the government takes decisive steps to tackle the environmental and social damage caused by galamsey activities.
The illegal mining crisis has become a major concern in the country, with widespread environmental degradation, pollution of water bodies, and the destruction of farmlands.
Calls for government action have grown louder in recent months, with civil society organizations, chiefs, and other stakeholders demanding more stringent measures to curtail the activities of illegal miners.
Organised Labour has emphasized that the strike will only be called off once the government demonstrates a concrete commitment to curbing the menace of illegal mining.
The government is yet to issue an official response to the strike declaration.