Organised Labour strikes Jan. 20

Organised Labour will go on a two-day nationwide strike on January 21 and 22, as part of measures to put pressure on the government to reduce utility tariffs, fuel prices and taxes.

Before the strike, however, Organised Labour will go on a nationwide demonstration on January 19 and 20.

Per an industrial action roadmap, Organised Labour asked its members to start flying red bands at the various offices from Thursday January 14.

Organised Labour says it is not happy with government’s refusal to beat down “astronomical increases in utility tariffs, taxes and fuel prices.”

Utilities regulator, Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), prior to Christmas last year, increased electricity and water tariffs by 59.2% and 67.2%, respectively. But Organised Labour says both should be reduced to 50%. They also want the recent 27% increase in fuel prices reduced. The prices of petroleum shot up after the passage of the Energy Sector Levy.

After its negotiations with the government failed, Organised Labour decided to roll out its industrial action plan to force government to accede to its request. It has written to various employers in the public sector to seek permission, on their members’ behalf, so, they could take part in the series of demonstrations that will precede their strike.

The correspondence is jointly signed by Stephen Adjei Darko, Acting regional officer and Samuel Larnyoh, Director, PMS department.