Organized Labour has hinted at a possible resumption of its plan to embark on an industrial action should government fail to implement fully the measures agreed to tackle illegal mining in the country.
The group had declared to embark on a nationwide strike effective October 10, 2024 to press home their demands after a meeting with government over the menace on October 3, 2024 ended inconclusive.
The umbrella group of labour unions in the country had contended that the series of measures announced by government at the meeting was not adequate enough to deal with the menace and thus, decided to press on with its industrial action.
However, following another meeting held with government and the Ghana Employers’ Association, the group has announced a suspension of its intended nationwide strike.
In a statement dated October 9, 2024 and signed by its leadership, the group explained that its decision was informed by enhanced and time-bound steps government indicated it is taking to address the group’s concerns.
“Following this meeting, Government offered enhanced and time-bound measures in respect of our demands and the fight against illegal mining”.
“We have, therefore, decided to suspend the intended strike action. We are calling on all workers to report for work on October 10, 2024, and beyond,” it added.
The new measures include the revocation of the Environmental Protection Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2462), which allows limited mining in forest reserves, redeployment of military and other law enforcement agencies to flush out illegal miners and collaboration with Organized Labour as well as other like-minded groups to tackle the menace.
It is, however, warning that it will resume its intended actions if government fails to live up to the agreed terms.
“Organised Labour will keenly monitor the implementation of these measures. Government will hear from us if it fails to do the needful” .
