Nine Labour Unions Threaten Strike Over Pension Arrears

Rexbank 8 months ago

The leadership of nine labour unions, collectively known as ‘The FORUM’, has threatened to go on strike on 2nd May, if government does not take action by 30th April, 2024.

Their discontent stems from the government’s failure to transfer pension arrears to their fund managers, a persistent issue spanning over a decade.

Isaac Bampoe Addo, Chairman of The Forum, conveyed their frustration during an exclusive interview with Daniel Opoku, a labour correspondent for 3news, in Accra. He emphasized the lack of acknowledgment from the Minister of Pensions regarding their concerns, prompting the unions to escalate their actions.

Among the grievances raised by The Forum is the transfer of past credit by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to the public sector pension scheme. Despite efforts to engage with the government, their demands remain unaddressed, compelling them to proceed with their planned strike.

The Forum represents a coalition of public sector associations, including but not limited to the Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOGSAG), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) Ghana.

In a formal notice of intention to proceed on strike, The Forum outlined their stance, indicating a nationwide strike starting from May 2, 2024, if the issues concerning the implementation of pensions for public sector workers are not resolved by April 30, 2024.

The grievances highlighted in their letter dated March 5, 2024, encompass four key issues affecting the pension implementation, underscoring the urgency for a resolution. The Forum comprises various professional bodies, including the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association (GRNMA), Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Government Hospital Pharmacists’ Association (GHOSPA), Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anesthetists (GACRA), as well as educational and judicial service staff associations.

Below is the full statement on the Labour Unions Strike Pending

The FORUM is serving notice that its members will proceed on a Nationwide strike from 2 May, 2024, if by 30th April, 2024 issues relating to the implementation of pensions for Publi Sector workers are not resolved.

Per our letter Number BA/7/ sf0.2/VOL dated 5th March, 2024, the FORUM drew attention to four (4) pertinent issues affecting the implementation of pensions for Public Sector Worke

The FORUM is made up of Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association (GRNMA) Ghana Medical Association (GMA) Government Hospital Pharmacists’ Association (GHOSPA and Ghana Association of Certified Registered Anesthetists(GACRA) Ghana Nationa Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) an Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Ghana (CCT); Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghan (JUSAG) and Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG).