Following the ongoing strike action by the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), labour expert Austin Gamey has stated that although workers have the constitutional right to embark on strike actions, such decisions must strictly follow the procedures outlined in the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651).
According to him, while unions can legitimately declare a strike when they feel strongly about an issue, the process must comply with the provisions of the law. He argued that in the current situation, the necessary procedures may not have been fully followed.
Mr. Gamey explained that despite the strike action, the employer government has taken steps to engage the union. He pointed out that the National Labour Commission has already invited the union to suspend the strike and appear before the commission on Wednesday to address the matter.
He further revealed that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission held a meeting with the union on Monday, during which both parties agreed that the commission would consult its principals and return to the negotiation table.
According to the labour expert, this development shows that discussions are already underway and progress is being made. He stressed that if both parties are negotiating in good faith, as required under Section 97 of the Labour Act, the union should have called off the strike to allow negotiations to continue smoothly.
Mr. Gamey also expressed concern about what he described as a recurring trend in Ghana where some labour unions use strike actions as a strategy to compel employers to yield to their demands.
He warned that such actions often create challenges for the broader economy.
“Yesterday government suffered it, today government is suffering it, and if we continue on this path it will only worsen the situation,” he said, adding that Ghana must move away from this approach and prioritize dialogue and lawful procedures in resolving labour disputes.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku