V/R Minister admonishes labour

Jasikan, May 1, GNA-Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister on Tuesday admonished labour unions and employees to weigh agitation for pay increases and better conditions of service against the social and economic circumstances of the nation.

He said inordinate demands could disorganize economic management of the country and fuel inflation.

"For us to achieve our development goals and push the economy into a middle income bracket there is the need for all stakeholders in labour issues to understand and collaborate in matters that would propel the nation ahead," Mr Dzamesi stated.

Mr Dzamesi who was addressing the Jubilee May Day Volta Regional Durbar at Jasikan EP JSS Park said, "we have a long way to go and we must be prepared to make modest sacrifices in order to achieve the desired goals".

It is under the theme "Labour and Nation Building: 50 years and Beyond".

He called on private sector workers and employers to accept the round table as the best forum for negotiations for better conditions of service.

Mr Dzamesi urged workers to eschew all negative tendencies that were likely to undermine the good intentions of government, adding let us give government the needed serene atmosphere for a diligent exercise. He said the level of productivity and development of every nation depended largely on the quality of its labour force and the prevailing industrial climate.

Mr Dzamesi said government was aware of the devastating consequences of labour disputes, which sometimes impacted negatively on investments and was therefore prepared to meet stakeholders for the mutual resolution of all conflicts.

He said the new labour law attests to the government's position on the resolution of labour issues and therefore charged labour unions and employers that they abide by the tenets of the law.

Mr Dzamesi asked workers to be patient with government as it implements the policy of restructuring the entire public service including its pay structure and assured benefits of the restructuring would include enhanced pay.

Brother Maxwell Akoto-Mireku, Volta Regional Secretary of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) who read the GTUC Secretary-General's speech commended the cooperation that characterized the relationship between labour and employers over the year.

He said GTUC had over the years acknowledged its role in national development and had contributed in no small way despite difficulties to promote national interests.

Mr Solomon Donkor, Jasikan District Chief Executive (DCE) asked labour not to be complacent with its achievements and work harder for the good of the country.

He called on all workers to adhere to their work ethic in order to increase productivity. Nana Akpandja Aburam, IV, Paramount Chiefs of the Buem Traditional Area said labour must show innovation in its strategies to champion the cause of workers. The durbar was heralded by a procession of workers through Jasikan town carrying placards urging government and employers to improve the plight of workers.

Some of the placards read "Power rationing affecting productivity", "We need living wages and not minimum wages," "Improve Conditions of Service," "Mr President Where is the Power from Nigeria," and "Electricity Shortage would affect vision 2015 target". Twelve workers three of them women were given TV sets as prizes for their distinguished contribution to workers interests over the years. As part of the durbar a pickup vehicle for the Jasikan District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme was inaugurated.