The Vice President of the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), Prof. Eric Awere, has voiced strong disappointment over Organised Labour’s decision to withdraw from the planned strike action protesting the government’s handling of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Prof. Awere stated that TUTAG feels betrayed by Organised Labour’s abrupt move to cancel the strike without consulting the association, especially after they had remained steadfast in their stance on the need for decisive action against illegal mining.
Despite Organised Labour’s announcement on October 10 that the strike would no longer proceed, TUTAG has resolved to continue with its industrial action.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, Prof. Awere criticized Organised Labour for failing to engage key stakeholders like TUTAG before making the decision, describing the move as a breach of solidarity.
He further reiterated TUTAG’s call for the government to take concrete steps to combat galamsey, including declaring a state of emergency in affected areas, before any reconsideration of the strike could be entertained.
“Where we say there is a betrayal is that even at the meeting to call off the strike, TUTAG was not invited. So, we feel that we have been betrayed because all along, the decision was that until we see concrete action from the government and we were clear that before we can change our mind, we need the president to declare a state of emergency; that should be the first thing.
“So, all TUTAG members are surprised, and we feel betrayed by organised labour. When we have taken a decision, Organised Labour goes back and flouts the decisions that we have all taken.
“So, we feel betrayed. That is why we are saying that there is a betrayal from some quarters,” he stated.
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