Tema Shipyard interdicts 219 employees

Tema, Dec 16, GNA - Management of the PSC Tema Shipyard Limited has interdicted 219 junior staff workers for embarking on a strike action and assaulting the company's Head of Finance. Three union leaders who were believed to have incited the workers to embark on the two day sit down strike from November 18 to November 20 this year have also been invited by the police for questioning. PSC Tema Shipyard engages in the repair of vessels. Management informed the employees of their interdiction through a letter dated December 15, 2008 and signed by Mr Musah I. Haruna, Head of Human Resource and Administration and Mr Mohamad Ismail Sulaiman, EXCO Chairman.

A copy of the letter made available to the Ghana News Agency stated that the interdiction was in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the company and the Maritime and Dockworkers Union of the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The letter stated that; "you are being interdicted due to your conduct partly or actively involved as unionized worker over three months period beginning from 31 October 2008."

It further indicated that; "you were taking part in illegal strike on 2nd December 2008 regarding tax deduction on year 2008 bonus which ended with an assault on the Head of Finance , Mr Kwame Asare Duah and you only dispersed after police have been called to bring the situation to normalcy."

It again stated that the workers took part in illegal strike on 18th November 2008 and "laid down your tools" until 20th November 2008 with regard to the year 2008 bonus. The letter however added that even though the employees were not allowed to enter into the premises during the interdiction period, the 219 employees would receive their full pay for the first month and thereafter receive two thirds of their monthly salary until the case was disposed of.

Mr Rashid Abdulai, Operations Manager of the company who confirmed the interdiction in a telephone interview said a committee of enquiry would be set up to investigate the issue after which the employees would be restored to their positions.

Mr Eric Tibu, Deputy Chairman of the worker's union on his part said it was unfortunate that management decided to interdict the workers who were fighting for their rights.

Mr Tibu indicated that workers demanded an explanation from the accountant concerning a letter he wrote to them informing them that tax would be deducted from their bonuses.

He denied any assault on the accountant explaining that they requested he leave the compound when he refused to explain the issue to them. 16 Dec 08