Organised Labour has suspended its highly anticipated nationwide strike, originally set to begin on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
This decision emerged from an emergency meeting on Wednesday, October 9, where union leaders carefully evaluated the current landscape and reached a consensus to call off the planned industrial action.
The strike had rallied significant support from various unions, driven by a collective demand for the government to take urgent measures against illegal mining (galamsey) and other critical issues affecting the nation.
Originally designed to pressure the government into declaring a state of emergency regarding the rampant environmental degradation caused by galamsey, the indefinite strike garnered backing from influential unions like the Public Utility Workers Union and the General Agricultural Workers Union.
However, notable groups, including the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), chose to distance themselves from the strike, prioritizing the provision of essential healthcare services amid growing concerns about the impact of the industrial action on public welfare.
The decision to suspend the strike has caught many off guard, especially given the unwavering resolve demonstrated by unions in recent discussions and public declarations.
Organised Labour reassured its members and the public that it would continue to vigilantly monitor the situation while remaining steadfast in its commitment to protect workers’ rights and tackle the pressing crisis posed by illegal mining.
As the nation breathes a sigh of relief, the focus now shifts to ensuring that the urgent demands for environmental justice are not forgotten.