Keta Sea-Defence Project workers on strike

Havedzi (V/R), Aug. 6, GNA - Workers of the Keta Sea Defence Project on Monday embarked on an industrial action to back their demand for expeditious conclusion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement to replace an old one that expired on June 21.

The strike involves workers at the Quarry Site at Matrikasa, at the Wheta Camp and those at the Marine Site.

Mr Garry Schark, Project Manager of the Great Lakes and Dock Company, undertaking the project, confirmed the action by the workers in a telephone interview with the Ghana News Agency.

He, however, declined to make any comments saying: "I cannot come out on on-going negotiations."

A workers' source told the GNA that they were demanding a 27 - working day system plus living and rent allowances instead of the hourly wage system which totals about 178 working hours per month or about 22 working days used in computing their wages.

He explained that their demand would improve their take-home pay and severance award.

The source said the two-an-a-half per cent salary increment being offered them by management was unacceptable and that they would not back down on their demands.

He alleged that the last agreement that was based on the hour calculation was done in a hurry and with the connivance of the Ministry of Works and Housing.

The source further alleged that the Management was terminating appointments of workers ahead of the new agreement and was foot dragging in the negotiations.

He said the Union Executives informed the Management of their decision to go on strike at a meeting on Wednesday, July 30.

Great Lakes and Dock Company, an American company, is undertaking the project to protect the people of Keta and surrounding villages against the ravages of the sea.