The Union of Industry, Commerce and Finance Workers (UNICOF) on Monday, April 21, 2026, led a symbolic demonstration at Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi, hoisting red flags to protest unresolved salary and working condition concerns.
The action marks the beginning of a series of planned industrial measures, with workers threatening to escalate the protest into a sit-down strike on Thursday, April 23, if their demands are not met.
The protest stems from growing dissatisfaction among staff following a salary restructuring exercise conducted in collaboration with the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), which reportedly resulted in the downgrading of some employees.
In a letter dated April 17, 2026, addressed to management, UNICOF indicated that earlier attempts to engage the hotel’s leadership on the matter were unsuccessful, as formal communication from the union went unanswered.
The dispute was subsequently referred to the National Labour Commission, which directed management to respond in writing and engage the union to resolve the issue. However, the union claims the directive was not complied with.
UNICOF further revealed that subsequent discussions between both parties resulted in an agreement to restore affected employees to their appropriate grades. Despite this, the union alleges that management has failed to implement the agreement within the agreed timeline.
Citing prolonged delays and lack of progress, the union said the red-flag demonstration would continue until management shows firm commitment to resolving the matter.
READ: UNICOF threatens red flag protest at Lancaster Hotel over salary dispute
Meanwhile, sources among the protesting staff indicate that the Executive Chairman of Lancaster Hotel is expected in Kumasi to meet with workers ahead of the planned strike. Employees maintain that if the meeting does not produce satisfactory outcomes, they will proceed with the sit-down strike as scheduled.
UNICOF has urged management to address the concerns urgently to prevent further escalation of the dispute. Copies of the protest notice were also forwarded to key stakeholders, including the Trades Union Congress Secretariat and local union representatives.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
