Reinstate Union Chairman, Mine workers urge Newmont Management

Accra, Feb. 1, GNA- The Ghana Mineworkers Union (GMU), of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has called on the management of Newmont Ghana Limited to unconditionally reinstate the company's local union Chairman, Mr Kweku Shaibu.

A Press release signed by Mr Prince William Ankrah, General Secretary of the GMU, said the manner in which management terminated Mr Shaibu appointment was "ruthless, vindictive and unfair". The release said the offence of the dismissed employee was that he questioned management decision to withdraw "a coffee rest" period, which is enjoyed during night shift to prevent the miners from sleeping. It also said a committee of enquiry, which was instituted to investigate a strike action by some workers and the conduct of an expatriate employee, Mr Elven Kuy, who described the opinions of some Ghanaian workers at the Mining Department as "Black sense" has not presented its findings. It would be recalled that on December 17, 2007 some workers embarked on an industrial action as a result of management's refusal to organize an end of year party for them whilst that of other Departments' was not cancelled.

In order to ensure harmonious industrial relations both the GMU and the management of the company entered into a memorandum of understand on January 14, 2008 to the effect that no disciplinary action be taken against any employee as a result of the questioning and the said industrial action. The release pointed out that whereas the committee has not presented its report to the Management, it has unilaterally terminated the union chairman's appointment. The union has therefore given the company up to Monday February 4 2008, to present the report of the committee.