Akosombo Textiles bounces back in operation

Akosombo (Eastern Region), 9 March '99 -

The 1,000-strong work force of the Akosombo Textile Limited (ATL), will resume work tomorrow after a one-and-half month strike action to back their demand for increase in salaries and wages. The appointment of 164 of the workers has been terminated for the roles they played in the strike action. The decision was based on the report of a committee that looked into the rampant locking up of members of management, and constant threats of industrial action by a section of the workers. The affected workers are however, entitled to all benefits due to them, which are ready for collection. As part of the recommendations of the committee, which was approved by the government, a durbar was held yesterday at the premises of the company to help strengthen the relationship between the management and the workers. Addressing them, Mr Abraham Coomson, general secretary of the Textiles, Garment and Leather Employees Union (TCLEU) of Trades Union Congress, described the strike action as "uncalled for". He said strikes should be planned in order not to bring discomfort to workers and their dependants. "It is unfortunate that some of the ATL local union members manipulated the situation to their advantage", he said. Mr Emmanuel Dwamena-Bekoe, Asuogyaman District Chief Executive, warned that the government would not tolerate any act of lawlessness by workers since there are approved channels for seeking redress to problems. Mr S.C. Woo, general manager of ATL, appealed to the workers to appreciate the constraints within which the company operates, especially against the background of the flood of cheap fabrics on the market, which has affected the sales of the company's products. The company's workers embarked on a strike action on January 21, this year, to press home their demand for a 50 per cent salary increase as against the 25 per cent offered by management. The management reacted by suspending production, leading to the setting up of the committee of enquiry at the instance of the government.