Hundreds of Workers from various labour unions in the Central Region
Hundreds of Workers of the various labour unions in the Central Region on Wednesday defied the early morning rains accompanied by strong winds and converged at the Cape Coast New Stadium to celebrate this year's May Day.
They earlier marched through the principal streets of the Municipality amidst brass band music and dancing, bearing placards some of which read “ leaders must pay due respect to workers” and “ consider our pension pay”.
The Celebration which was on the theme "Sustainable Pension For All: The Role Of Social Partners" was also attended by a cross-section of the general public.
Mr Kwamena Duncan, the Regional Minister who addressed the gathering commended workers in the Region for their massive participation in the celebration despite the rains and for their contribution towards the development of the Country.
He urged the labour unions to continue to dialogue with government to have their grievances addressed instead of resulting to strike and other actions.
He said government was conscious of workers’ displeasure with the tier two pension scheme and advised them to be ready to dialogue to help address the challenges.
The Regional Minister described the theme for the celebration as apt and indicated the need for more deliberations to ensure that there was a sustainable pension for all workers.
He appealed to the workers to continue working harder to increase the productivity of the nation, adding that it would help propel the nation's economy into sustainable growth.
Madam Cynthia Maame Aba Sam, the Central Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress also called for a constant dialogue in establishing a balance between the position of government and organised labour with respect to wage increase.
To ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the country, she expressed the hope that all labour related disputes would be resolved through negotiations and constructive dialogue and advised workers both in the private and public sectors to start preparing towards retirement early to avoid being taken by circumstances in their old age.
Madam Sam called on workers to support the government in the implementation of its several social interventions, initiatives and programmes geared to transform in the country.
Some hard working and outstanding workers in the Region were honoured for the various roles.
