Metro Mass union chairman interdicted as unpaid workers resume strike

Workers at Metro Mass Transit Limited in Kumasi resumed a sit-down strike on Wednesday, July 15, after calling off earlier industrial action on July 3.

The workers, mostly drivers, parked their cars and instead picked drums to sing and chant in protest at the premises of the Metro Mass in demand for the payment of salary arrears, according to Joy FM reports.

Non-payment of salaries for two-and-a-half months sparked the initial sit-down strike, after which government promised settlement of the arrears.

But staff said the monies did not hit their accounts.

Aside from salary, workers also complained of incentives for health care and pension allowances that had not been paid.

The workers also expressed how COVID-19 safety protocol guidelines involving the reduction of passengers have led to a cut in revenue.

The workers blamed the Managing Director, Albert Aduboahene, for collapsing the government agency.

According to them, over 100 buses with slight faults were grounded at the Metro Mass yard because the funds were not made to repair them.

This decision of the workers two weeks ago left passengers stranded and frustrated as they could not get access to Metro Mass, a cheaper transport option.

The intervention of the government led to the workers suspending the strike.

Workers expressed their disappointment in the government for not heeding to the promise of payment.

They have vowed never to resume work until the government all outstanding debt.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Junior Staff Workers Union in Kumasi, John Osei has been interdicted by management.

He has been accused of inciting staff to embark on the industrial action which had brought operations to a halt.