Mine workers resume work

Sunyani, Dec. 19, GNA - Members of the Ahafo Branch of the Ghana Mine Workers' Union representing the unionised junior staff of Newmont Ghana's Ahafo Mine on Tuesday resumed work a day after embarking on a sit down strike.

It was in protest against management's decision not to organize an end of year party for the mining operations and maintenance crews. A meeting between management of the mining department, representatives of the Human Resource Department and the Shift Crew leaders resolved that an end of year party be held for the aggrieved workers but on shift basis since management could not hold one party for the workers, numbering about 700.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Stephen Baffoe, Principal Communication Officer of Newmont Ahafo Mine.

"The management of the mining department, together with representatives from the human resource department met with shift crew leaders on Friday, December 14 and discussed the mine department's inability due to logistical and time constraint to organize an end of year party for the mining operations and maintenance crews". The statement said management of Newmont Ghana's Ahafo Mine also met with the leadership of the Ahafo Branch of the Ghana Mine Workers Union to discuss other concerns pertaining to higher remuneration and better conditions of service through due process set out under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Newmont Ghana Gold and the Union.

It added that the gold company was committed to resolving the aggrieved staff's concerns to ensure a peaceful and harmonious working environment at the Ahafo Mine site.