Employment Ministry pledges not to take sides in labour disputes

Accra (Greater Accra) 8th July '99

A Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr Austin Gamey on Wednesday reiterated that the Ministry would not support any group of management or workers to aggravate labour unrest in the country.

In an interview in Accra, Mr Gamey reminded workers that in their attempt to associate freely, they must ensure that laid down procedures are religiously followed.

Mr Gamey said while the Ministry is concerned with the speedy resolution of labour conflicts, labour unions must restrict themselves to the laws, rules and regulations governing the national and international labour front.

Explaining the strike action embarked on by workers of the African Automobile Limited (AAL), and the subsequent dismissal of workers, he said the Ministry intervened and had fruitful discussions with management and workers of the company.

Mr Gamey have asked the management of the company to reinstate the dismissed workers and requested that the Assistant Chief Labour Officer of the ministry be part of management deliberations to ensure fairness.

Whilst waiting for the management of the company to implement the , the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) gave June 15 ultimatum to management to re-instate the workers, thus compelling them to hold on to their decision.

He, therefore, expressed dissatisfaction about the ICU's action and said the ministry never took sides on the issue.