Austine Gamey, a renowned labour expert and consultant, has sounded the alarm on Ghana’s escalating labour grievances, warning of potential mass industrial action if the government fails to address the issues promptly. Gamey highlighted the widespread dissatisfaction among unions and the looming threat of strikes across various sectors.
Gamey emphasized that the situation is dire, with many unions facing similar unresolved grievances. “There are many labour unions that have similar grievances. If they all want to go on strike, you’ll have about 20 different unions on strike,” he cautioned. The current economic challenges have made it difficult for workers to bear the brunt of the government’s inaction.
Ghana is already grappling with the consequences of economic mismanagement, which has compounded the situation, leaving workers feeling the strain of the financial crisis. “The country is choked with terrible mismanagement, and we have a haircut on our hands. The economic circumstance is staring at our faces,” Gamey lamented.
The labour consultant expressed frustration over the lack of meaningful engagement between the government and labour unions, particularly in light of the upcoming elections. Many government officials, who are also Members of Parliament, are preoccupied with election campaigns, making it challenging to address labour concerns.
“Most of the people who are supposed to be negotiating have jumped into the bush to campaign, and they are not available. The Minister of Finance and other deputies are all MPs, so they are not there to negotiate,” Gamey observed. This absence of engagement has created uncertainty, leaving workers without guarantees that their issues will be addressed.
The political transition, whether a continuation or a change in leadership, could exacerbate the situation. Workers fear being told to wait three to six months after the elections for their concerns to be addressed. “There is no guarantee, particularly now, that there will definitely be a certain change of government,” Gamey explained.
Gamey stressed that workers cannot afford further delays in addressing their concerns. “They cannot bear it,” he concluded, emphasizing the need for immediate government action. The current strike by university staff, which began on September 16, demanding better working conditions and benefits, is a testament to the growing discontent among workers.
The Ghana Association of University Administrators, the Teachers and Educational Workers Union, and the Federation of Senior Staff Association of Ghana have joined the strike, citing unresolved grievances. The situation may worsen if the government fails to address the concerns of these unions.
In July 2023, the Trades Union Congress Ghana, a federation of 23 unions, called for a national strike to protest union bashing after three union leaders were unfairly dismissed at Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between labour unions and employers.
Gamey’s warning serves as a wake-up call for the government to prioritize labour concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue with unions to prevent further industrial action and potential economic instability.
