New labour body will not participate in May Day celebrations

Accra (Greater Accra), 30th April ?99 -

Mr Joseph Essiful-Ansah, Interim President of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), said Thursday that the federation will not participate in this year's May Day celebrations at the Independence square.

Mr Essiful-Ansah was speaking to newsmen at Legon in reaction to a warning from the Tema District Council of Labour (TDCL) that the movement?s participation could affect the peaceful celebration of the workers.

"We don't want to derail anybody's activities. We have discussed the matter with the Minister of Employment and Social Welfare and we have given him the full assurance that we will not be there", Mr Essiful-Ansah said.

The interim president said the GFL has even warned its members not to wear their "T" shirts anywhere near the Independence square or around Osu in the interest of peace.

The GFL, which was out-doored three days ago as the second national labour organization after the Trade Union Congress (TUC) is currently holding its congress at Legon.

Its mebershi is drawn from the Ghana Registered Nurses Association, Judicial Services Association of Ghana, National Lotto Receivers Union, Textile, Garment and Leather Employees Union and the Ghana Tailors and Dressmakers Association as its members.

It is seen as rival organisation to the TUC which has been the sole labour organisation since independence and comprises 17 national unions.