Labour Analyst, Austin Gamey has contended that the recent surge in labour agitations among large labour unions can be attributed to the economic mess in the country and the possible change in government after the December elections.
Many labour unions including the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), Mortuary Workers Union, and Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), among others, as the country prepares for the crucial 2024 General Elections are up in arms demanding improved conditions of service.
While some are already on strike, others such as the Mortuary Workers are also demanding that the government fulfils the promises made to them in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic else they also embark on industrial action.
Amid the rising agitations, the Labour Consultant believes there is a link between these labour unrests and a possible change in government given the economic mess created by the current regime.
He explains that the current threats, protests, and industrial actions by the labour unions are primarily aimed at ensuring that their demands are met before any transition.
This is because they fear that in the event of a change in government after the elections, there will delays in meeting those demands as the new administration will seek additional time to settle.
Speaking in an interview monitored by The High Street Journal, the former labour and employment minister explained that, “because of the level of mess up in the economic front and the huge indebtedness of the government, the fear is that, if they have anything left particularly because people have the feeling that there will be a change of government.
“They want the present government to bear the responsibility by paying them whatever is due them before they pack out. If a new government should come, they will ask for time and it may result in all kinds of things. That is normal with transitions,” he added.
There is the fear that if the government fails to properly manage these labour agitations, it could escalate and shut down the entire economy.
