Mitsubishi labour crisis deteriorates

Accra (Greater Accra), 8th June 99 -

The impasse between management and workers of African Automobile Company Limited (AAL), distributors of Mitsubishi vehicles in Ghana, is deteriorating despite the intervention of the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare.

The Labour Department last Tuesday, June 1, was unable to get the problem resolved to enable the workers to go back to work.

This is because the management of the company has locked out the workers in violation of the advice of the Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr Austin Gamey, for the workers to resume work for negotiations to begin.

The management has also asked all the workers of the AAL and its sister company, International Automobile limited, who did not join a demonstration on June two to go home and re-apply for employment.

Some of the workers who wish to remain anonymous told the GNA that the management is accusing workers of International Automobile Limited of backing the strikers.

The affected workers have, therefore, expressed disappointment about the decision and called on the government and the Trades Union Congress to ensure that justice is done and labour laws of the country respected by the management.

The workers have, however, indicated that they will not use violence or any unorthodox means to resolve the issue. They urged the President and the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare to resolve the case amicably.

They said they will not re-apply as being demanded by the management.

When the GNA visited the premises of the company today, the workers most of whom were wearing red bands, had gathered outside the offices and the workshops with some security personnel around.

On June 2, technical workers of AAL embarked on a peaceful demonstration through some principal streets in Accra to press home their demand for increased salaries and improved conditions of service.

GRi?/