Ministry expresses concern about strikes

Accra, Sept 16, GNA - The Ministry of Manpower Youth and Development said on Friday it considered the intended strike of some organizations within the public sector as impulsive since work on salaries had not been yet completed.

" The public should see it as illegal to embark on strike on the basis of future salaries that will only start in 2006 ". A statement signed by Mr Kofi Aggrey, the Public Relations Officer, said preparatory work was ongoing in respect of analysis required to determine the specific mandate that would be given to the ministry for negotiations of salaries of public sector workers.

It said it was rather expected of workers who draw salaries from the Consolidated Fund and were regularly paid when salaries are due to dutifully serve the nation in accordance with the law. It added that the fact that negotiations for the increase in salaries for 2006 had not begun should not be the basis to threaten strike action.

The ministry expressed the hope that a mandate would be made available later this September for negotiations and appealed to workers to exercise restraint and comply with the existing regulations while things are worked out.