The Vice President of the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), Prof. Eric Awere, has expressed significant disappointment over Organised Labour’s decision to withdraw from the planned strike against the government’s handling of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Prof. Awere stated that TUTAG feels betrayed by Organised Labour’s sudden cancellation of the strike without consulting the association, especially since TUTAG has consistently advocated for decisive action against illegal mining.
Despite Organised Labour’s announcement on October 10 that the strike would be called off, TUTAG has decided to proceed with its industrial action.
In an interview with Eyewitness News on Friday, Prof. Awere criticized Organised Labour for failing to engage key stakeholders like TUTAG before making this decision, describing it as a breach of solidarity.
He reiterated TUTAG’s demand for the government to implement concrete measures to combat galamsey, including declaring a state of emergency in affected areas, before any reconsideration of the strike could be discussed.
“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.
