The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) of TUC-Ghana has announced a nationwide strike, instructing its members to stay off work starting Thursday, October 10, 2024.
The union’s action is in response to the government’s failure to address demands related to illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 8, GAWU explained that the decision followed an unproductive meeting between Organized Labour and President Akufo-Addo on October 3, where no resolution was reached.
The strike is part of a larger initiative by Organized Labour to pressure the government to declare a state of emergency over the illegal mining issue.
GAWU emphasized that the President’s inability to provide a satisfactory response during the meeting has galvanized other labor bodies to join the strike.
“We therefore call on management to support this course as all workers are directed to stay off work,” GAWU stated, highlighting the union’s determination to persist until their demands are met.
The industrial action is expected to impact multiple sectors across the country, with workers staying home indefinitely.
GAWU’s leadership urged its members to stand firm, stressing that this move is crucial for addressing the environmental and economic damage caused by galamsey.
The union maintains that the strike will only end when the government takes significant steps to tackle the issue and ensure a safer, more sustainable future for all workers.
