Juaso (Ash), April 30, GNA - Leadership of labour groups have been asked to refer to Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) between employers and their employees in their quest to resolve labour disputes. This is to guard against the infringement on the rights of either party in the settlement of disputes. Mr Fuseini Iddrisu, Industrial Relations Officer (IRO) of the General Transport, Petroleum and Chemical Workers Union (GTPCWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) gave the advice at a meeting with Asante Akim South District Council of Labour (DCL) at Juaso on Tuesday. The meeting, which formed part of the TUC's efforts at reviving DCLs in various district also coincided with the election of new executives for a four-year term.

A seven-member executive was elected with Mr. Joseph Owusu of the Health Services Workers Union (HSWU) as its chairman, while the remaining executives were drawn from other affiliate bodies. Mr. Iddrisu noted that the CBAs safeguarded the interests of both employers and their employees and must always serve as guide in resolving labour disputes.

He therefore, urged workers to be conversant with their respective CBAs to enable them defend their rights in the event of labour dispute. Mr. Robert Asekabta, Ashanti Regional Secretary of TUC called for regular DCL meetings in order to be abreast with challenges facing workers at their various workplaces and address them accordingly. He said structures at the district level were vital to the existence of the TUC and challenged the newly elected executives to strive to revive the locals in various institutions. Mr. Joseph Owusu, the Chairman elect on behalf of the executives thanked members for the confidence reposed in them and called for their support to enable the executives discharge their duties efficiently.