Organised Labour Begins Indefinite Strike Over Second Tier Pension But Government Expresses Surprise

Organised labour has decided to embark on an indefinite strike from Wednesday to press home its demand for workers to manage the second-tier occupational pension scheme within the public service instead of government. 

It is therefore calling on the government to release the funds accruing from the scheme to the four registered pension schemes established by workers to manage. 

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of TEWU, Peter Lumor, says they have exhausted all channels of grievances but government has refused to heed to their call. 

Speaking to Radio Ghana, Mr Lumor said the strike by the unions will be indefinite unless government releases funds of the 2nd tier pension scheme for the unions to manage.

Ina related development, government has expressed surprise and regret at the indefinite strike declared by the eight labour unions in the Public Sector to compel the release of the second-tier pension funds to the four registered pension schemes established by workers to manage. 

The Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Haruna Iddrisu, said government and organised labour are negotiating and wondered why the eight labour unions should declare a unilateral strike. 

According to him, the Ministry has extended invitation to organised labour for continuous dialogue but it declined to attend. 

Mr Iddrisu stated this at a news conference in Accra. 

In attendance were representatives of the National Labour Commission, the National Pension Regulatory Authority and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. 

Mr Iddrisu assured workers that their pensions are safe and secured and will be released as soon as they resolve the outstanding issues.

GBC