Minister meets NLC over Railway workers' strike

Accra, March 3, GNA - The Minister for Harbours and Railways, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, on Monday met with the Chairman and Commissioners of the National Labour Commission (NLC) in an effort to resolve the impasse between management and workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited over salaries and other conditions of service. The meeting, which was held at the instance of the NLC provided the Minister with an opportunity to brief the Commission on the peculiar challenges facing the company and efforts aimed at meeting the conditions of the striking workers.

A statement signed by Mr Ahmed Ayuba, Special Assistant to the Minister, said Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi informed the Commission that funds had been secured to pay all outstanding salary arrears up to January 2008.

The Minister said other issues raised by the striking workers could only be resolved through negotiations with the executives of the Railway Workers' Union and Management of the Ghana Railway Company Limited. He therefore urged the NLC to avail the Union of its services and mediation in order to ensure the speedy resolution of the problem. Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi stated that the strike action by the workers was having a negative impact on the revenue generation of the Railway Company.

He said this situation had further aggravated the precarious financial position of the Company.

The Chairman of the NLC, Mr Joseph Aryeetey, informed the Minister of the Commission's commitment to effectively mediate in the impasse but added that due process must be adhered to by all parties in order to ensure a fruitful and lasting solution to the strike action. He urged all parties to co-operate fully with the Commission in order to ensure a speedy resolution of the strike action.

Mr. Aryeetey also informed the Minister of the Commission's preparedness to invite the National Executives of the Railway Workers' Union for further discussions on the strike action.

Among those present at the meeting were Mr. I.W. Dodd, Chief Director, MHR, Rufus Quaye, Managing Director, GRCL, Commissioners of the NLC, officials of the Ministry and the Ghana Railway Company.