Don’t listen to gov’t anymore

The Tema District Council of Labour (TDCL) has charged the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to remain resolute in its decision to embark on an industrial strike.

The Council entreated TUC not to tolerate the tricks of the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC) and government anymore.

In a statement, the TDCL expressed surprise at the sluggish attitude of PURC and the government at an emergency meeting to discuss the deadline given by the TUC and Organized Labour in respect of the recent increases in utility tariffs.

William Agana, the Chairman of TDCL, said the TUC and the Organized Labour had displayed maturity in tolerating the multi-faceted tricks and delay tactics of the PURC and the Government in addressing their concerns.

He said the TDCL and the Tema Organized Labour are in full support of all decisions and actions taken by the TUC to compel the PURC and the government to reduce the astronomical tariffs.

TUC’s strike action is expected to take place as scheduled if government and the PURC fail to address their concerns.

Organized Labour, led by the TUC, announced a series of industrial actions that will eventually culminate into total strike on November 18, 2013.

Organized Labour has been haggling with Government to slash by a third the recent utility tariffs.

Electricity tariff was adjusted upward by almost 79 percent while water tariff went up by 52 percent.

President Mahama set up a technical committee led by economist Dr. Joe Abbey to evaluate the tariff hikes after Organized Labour threatened to go on strike.

Though the Committee has explained the technicalities and its recommendations to Organized Labour, it is still not satisfied.