The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and its affiliated unions, representing organized labour, have issued a warning of a potential strike on May 2, 2024.
This ultimatum arises from the government’s failure to fulfill its commitment to pay Tier-2 pensions owed to its members.
Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, Secretary-General of the TUC, emphasized that despite repeated appeals, the government has consistently disregarded their demands.
Consequently, with no visible progress, organized labour is considering strike action as a last resort.
He stated, “You may be aware that the public sector unions under the forum have already given notice that on the 2nd of May, if they don’t receive any updates regarding the payment of this second tier by the 30th of April, they will initiate a strike.
“We want to notify the government that if by the 30th of April they fail to address this issue of our second tier, on the 2nd of May, we will all join the forum. I can only imagine the consequences for this country if they allow this situation to persist.”
Meanwhile, the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has expressed grave concern about the government’s alleged failure to remit mandatory contributions for over 700,000 Ghanaian workers.
NAGRAT President, Angel Carbonu, accused the government of financial impropriety during a press briefing on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
He specifically highlighted the non-payment of Tier 2 pension scheme contributions and other third-party deductions since July 2023.
Carbonu emphasized that these deductions are being withheld from workers’ salaries but are not being forwarded to the designated institutions.
According to NAGRAT, this situation raises serious doubts about the future financial security of these workers, particularly in retirement.