The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, has called on the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) to rescind its decision to embark on a nationwide strike scheduled for March 9.
CLOGSAG announced the strike, citing delays in the implementation of its conditions of service and concerns over a proposed new salary structure.
The decision, according to the Association, follows years of unresolved negotiations.
Speaking exclusively to 3news’ Labour Affairs Correspondent in Accra on February 20, Dr. Pelpuo said the government remains committed to engaging the leadership of CLOGSAG to address their concerns.
“I know that the Fair Wages has worked with them thoroughly. The structure they are looking for has been established, and now we have to get the Ministry of Finance to finalize the issue,” he said.
The Minister stressed that government recognizes the vital role of labour unions in national development and is determined to support them.
“Government is showing a lot of concern, and we are committed to supporting labour organisations that are key to national development, such as CLOGSAG,” he noted.
Dr. Pelpuo appealed to the Association to reconsider its decision and allow further dialogue to take place.
“I want to assure them of government’s commitment and ask them to withdraw their decision to go on strike on the 9th of March. Government is not a one-day affair; it is always a process. I urge them to open up and talk to us rather than proceed with the intention to embark on strike. I will meet the labour leaders next week to address their grievances,” he added.
However, the Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, Isaac Bampoe Addo, insists the Association will only reconsider its position if the government demonstrates good faith in ongoing engagements.
“We are ready to engage any time he calls us; we will avail ourselves. What has been worrying is the ongoing attitude where we agree on a meeting and nobody shows up. It is as if our issue has been forgotten. That is why we gave the March 9 ultimatum,” he said.
Mr. Bampoe Addo further disclosed that CLOGSAG has operated without approved conditions of service for several years.
“The important thing is for us to start the engagement, and once we engage, the next decision will be taken by our Council. The issue has delayed for far too long. As a union, since 2019, we do not have conditions of service. It has always been talk, talk, talk,” he stated.
With just weeks to the planned industrial action, attention now turns to whether renewed negotiations between government and CLOGSAG leadership will avert the strike.
READ ALSO: https://3news.com/news/clogsag-threatens-to-strike-on-march-9
By Daniel Opoku
