Organised labour has made a significant decision to suspend its nationwide strike, effective from July 15.
This decision was prompted by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) cancellation of the sale of a 60% stake in four hotels, a move that has averted a potential crisis.
The decision to suspend the strike was reached after a meeting of labour unions on Monday. However, organised labour has issued a one-month ultimatum to SSNIT to address all outstanding pensions-related issues.
Last week, SSNIT announced the halting of plans to divest its stake in La Palm Beach Hotel, Labadi Beach Hotel, Royal Ridge Hotel, and Elmina Beach Hotel. This significant move, in response to the powerful public outcry and the threat of a nationwide strike by labour unions, demonstrates the influence of collective action.
The intended buyer of the hotels was Rock City Hotel Group, owned by Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong. However, in the face of public backlash and the threat of a nationwide strike, Rock City decided to withdraw its bid for the hotels, a move that further complicated the situation.
Addressing reporters in Accra, Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Yaw Baah, explained that organised labour received SSNIT’s official termination of the sale on the same day the strike was announced.
The suspension of the strike marks a temporary pause in labour action pending SSNIT’s resolution of pension-related concerns within the stipulated timeframe.
