Gov't to come out with final decision on Tema Shipyard

Tema, March 30, GNA - The Government has been given a two-week ultimatum to come out with its final decision on PSC Tema Shipyard and Drydock. The ultimatum is contained in a resolution adopted by members of the Tema District Council of Labour (TDCL), the umbrella organisation for the welfare of unionized working groups within the Metropolis. The resolution was signed by Mr Wilson Agana and Mr Ebenezer Kodwo Taylor, Chairman and Secretary respectively of the TDCL, at their General Meeting held in Tema on Wednesday, March 24.

The TDCL made it clear that at its next General Meeting in two weeks time it would appraise the situation on the next line of action, and therefore, urged government to, in the interest of peace and harmony, act swiftly on its concerns, in order to ensure a peaceful industrial climate at the PSC Tema Shipyard. The Council expressed grave concern about the challenges facing workers of the Company, especially their worsening living conditions. The Council expressed surprise that the Report of the Committee of Enquiry set up to investigate issues militating against the smooth operation of the Shipyard, was yet to be implemented.

The TDCL further expressed surprise that the Divestiture Implementation Committee was yet to finalize action on the Shipyard; and that the Malaysians had since not fully paid the purchase amount for the Company In spite of these concerns, the Council said informed sources indicated that the Malaysians were in the process of introducing another cream of Malaysians as Managing Director (MD) and Executives, to manage the Shipyard. The TDCL pointed out that, by so doing, the Malaysians would be flouting the Committee of Enquiry's Report, "an action we see as contrary to the Committee's Report." Consequently, the Council resolved that all workers in the Metropolis would converge at the Shipyard on the day of the introduction of the MD and his team.