Organised Labour has announced the suspension of its planned nationwide strike action scheduled to begin on July 10, 2023.
The decision comes in the wake of emergency talks between Labour representatives and the Council of State, which were initiated following the dismissal of three union leaders by the management of Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited.
The strike was intended to enforce a work stoppage across the country, as a response to the management’s refusal to reinstate the dismissed union leaders.
Previous negotiations had failed to yield a satisfactory resolution, leading Organised Labour to proceed with their planned industrial action.
However, the intervention of the Council of State played a crucial role in averting the strike.
During the emergency meeting held on Friday, the Council granted Sunon Asogli Power a five-working-day ultimatum to reinstate the dismissed union leaders. This prompted Organised Labour to temporarily suspend the strike.
Secretary General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) and spokesperson for Organised Labour, Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, expressed disappointment with the management’s conduct during the negotiations.
He condemned their actions as a regrettable departure from Ghana’s cultural values, stating, “This is the first time I have seen that management without shame can come back at a negotiation table to take back their own vomit.”
The suspension of the strike, albeit temporary, presents an opportunity for further negotiations to address the underlying issues.
During the grace period of five working days, both parties are expected to engage in meaningful discussions to address the concerns raised by Organised Labour and seek a mutually beneficial resolution.