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The announcement of a strike by drivers of petroleum tankers has raised the possibility of a fuel scarcity.
A nationwide protest over the slow ratification of a framework dictating the terms of service for drivers and their friends is being led by petrol tanker drivers, who are turning in their tools.
A suggested framework meant to enhance the lives of operators has not been implemented since the president solicited feedback from operators on how to improve working conditions in 2017.
A multi-stakeholder group was formed in 2023 as part of the efforts to settle the problem, which resurfaced after a series of threats of strike actions by Dr. Mustapha Hamid, CEO of NPA, and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Energy.
The group was made up of representatives from oil marketing corporations, TUC, BOST, NPA, and the ministries of labor and employment and energy.
The committee was assigned the responsibility of developing a thorough framework for the conditions of service, which had the full support of all committee members. The group then handed its findings to the NPA for prompt implementation in November 2023.
Members felt a great sense of relief and hope as a result of this effort, as they could finally see better working conditions and a stable income for their families.
In compliance with employer directions and to facilitate the adoption of the suggested structure, members opened bank accounts with commercial banks, such as Zenith Bank and Consolidated Bank Ghana (C.B.G.), right away.
But even with our members’ perseverance and coordinated efforts, the implementation encountered a roadblock when the new Board took office.
We find it unsustainable that the association’s new leadership asserted during a meeting that their representative on the committee lacked the power to approve the conditions of service framework. The members and other stakeholders were taken aback by this action taken by AOMC.
The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union’s leadership called a news conference to discuss their next course of action in light of this.
With effect from today, May 21, tanker drivers nationwide stopped work in protest over what they perceive to be a delay in the adoption of the framework for terms of service for drivers and mates.
In his response, National President of the Union George Nyaunu lamented the disregard for tanker drivers despite the fact that their line of work puts their lives in danger.
“We transport hazardous material with our lives on the line, but we are paid on tabletop. During Covid-19, the President tagged as essential workers. Till today, the quota that was allocated to us for rendering essential services during the pandemic has not gotten to us. We will ensure our lives are improved even if it will take 20 years, he emphasized.
He mentioned the poor roads in the Tema heavy industrial area, which are still in terrible shape despite the minister of roads’ guarantee that they would be renovated in three months.
This is the reason why you may not be able to purchase petrol in the coming days when you visit any fuel station, but we will have to wait and see if the government acts quickly to avert the impending scarcity.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
