The Labour Union of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) has given management a 14-day deadline to address a series of operational and staff welfare concerns, warning that workers may resort to industrial action if their demands are not met.
The union says longstanding challenges within the Authority are affecting productivity, staff morale and the overall efficiency of operations, prompting employees to formally seek intervention from management and relevant regulatory bodies.
Among the concerns raised are the continued use of obsolete Point of Sale (POS) terminals, deteriorating office and residential facilities, alleged irregular recruitment practices and the deployment of vehicles the union considers unsafe for official duties.
Workers also expressed alarm over the growing activities of illegal lottery operators, arguing that the proliferation of unregulated operators is reducing the Authority’s market share and posing a threat to job security.
The union further cited delays in the payment of lottery winnings and questioned the reported outsourcing of maintenance and development work on critical payment-processing software to a former employee, alleging that established procurement procedures may not have been followed.
Speaking on the matter, Local Union Chairman Eric Tamakloe disclosed that the union had submitted a petition to management, copied the NLA Board and departmental heads, and subsequently referred the matter to the National Labour Commission.
According to him, employees expect urgent action to resolve the issues and improve working conditions across the Authority.
He noted that concerns relating to salary negotiations, staff promotions, implementation of the Scheme of Service and the introduction of a staff health insurance programme also remain unresolved and require immediate attention.
Mr. Tamakloe warned that workers would be compelled to consider further action should management fail to address the concerns within the stipulated period.
The development adds to growing pressure on the Authority as stakeholders continue to call for reforms aimed at strengthening operations, improving staff welfare and enhancing the competitiveness of the national lottery sector.
