Political science lecturer at the University of Ghana (UG) Dr. Asah Asante has advised the government to take immediate action to address the concerns of labour unions and prevent further strikes and productivity losses.

Speaking on Morning Starr with Lantam Papanko, Dr. Asante stated that the recent strike action by labour unions is a clear indication that they are determined to protect the interests of their members.

“The government must do the needful to get laboir back to work,” Professor Asante said. “This strike action is a clear indication that labour is determined to protect the interests of their members. The government must take this seriously and act accordingly.”

He noted that the government’s decision to sell 60% of its stake in SSNIT was not in the best interest of workers and was therefore resisted by labour.

“The labour unions are pressure groups that seek to influence government policy and protect the interests of their members,” Professor Asante explained. “When they go on strike, it creates tension in the country, undermines productivity, and results in lost man-hours. This is not good for the economy and the country as a whole.”

Professor Asante emphasized that the government must take the necessary steps to address the concerns of labour unions and prevent further strikes.

He noted that this is the only way to ensure productivity and good governance.

“The government must constitute a team that represents both the interests of government and labour. This team must be able to negotiate and find a solution that is acceptable to both parties. The government must also learn from this experience and avoid similar conflicts in the future.”

Dr. Asante also advised labour unions to learn from this experience and address their internal weaknesses.

He noted that labour unions must ensure that their representatives on the board are doing enough to protect the interests of workers.

“Labour unions must also address the concerns of other groups, such as UTAG, and work together to promote the interests of all workers,” Professor Asante added. “This is the only way to ensure that the welfare of workers is protected and that the country moves forward.”

However, Organized Labour has suspended the nationwide strike action over the sale of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Hotels.

Organized Labour on Friday declared the strike action because the government had indicated its resolve to sell four SSNIT hotels to Rock City Hotel, which is owned by Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong.

During an emergency meeting held in Accra on Monday, Dr. Yaw Baah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, disclosed that they are giving SSNIT one month to address other outstanding issues.

“We are giving SSNIT one month to engage Organized Labour to address outstanding issues related to the management of our pension; otherwise, we will advise ourselves,” he added.