The Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union (ICU) has joined organized Labour in suspending its planned strike scheduled for February 13, 2024. This decision comes in response to the government's move to suspend the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity in order to engage with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Mr Morgan Ayawine, the General Secretary of the ICU-Ghana, announced the suspension at a press briefing, stating, “We are equally suspending our action, and we will be on red alert.” He emphasized that this development was not only a victory for their members but for all Ghanaians.
Ayawine stressed the importance of ensuring that the government's decision to suspend the tax on electricity is final and permanent. He urged members not to perceive the suspension of the strike as a defeat, but rather as a step towards achieving their objectives.
Organized Labour had previously issued an ultimatum to the government to withdraw the tax on electricity, which was set to expire in January 2024. The planned demonstration aimed to pressure the government to reconsider the introduction of the tax, which has been widely criticized for exacerbating the financial hardships faced by Ghanaians.
In response to the union's call, workers across the country had been urged to wear red to work on Monday, February 5, as a symbolic protest against the imposition of VAT on electricity.
