PSWU to embark on protest over TV3 staff dismissals

The Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana has announced plans to embark on an industrial action owing to the failure of management of TV3 Network Limited to address the concerns of 32 dismissed workers.

“This is to serve notice, having failed to resolve the dispute between the management of TV3 Company Limited and the Public Services Workers Union of TUC Ghana on the unfair summary dismissal of 32 employees of TV3 who are members of our union,” the letter stated.

The letter titled, ‘Notice to commence series of industrial actions,’ expressed the Union’s dissatisfaction with the inability of management to address their concerns in good faith.

It further stated that the Union has no option than to demand an immediate reinstatement of the affected staff.

It said, “Tuesday, 4th April, 2017, there would be picketing around the premises of TV3 Company by members of the PSWU of TUC Ghana, Tuesday, 11th April, 2017, wearing of red bands by all members of the PSWU of TUC Ghana and Monday, 24th April, 2017, solidarity strike by all division of the PSWU Ghana,” the letter said.

The letter was signed by Richard Ampabeng, General Secretary PSWU of TUC Ghana and copied to the Regional Commander, Ghana Police Service, Accra, the Local Union Secretary, PSWU TV3 Network Company Limited, Accra and the IGP.

They said they would picket around the premises of TV3 Company limited.

Last month, private television station, TV3, served 32 of its workers with summary dismissal letters as a result of muted protests following stalled negotiations on end of service benefits (ESB) for staff.

According to some of the affected staff, who spoke on condition of anonymity, they held long drawn-out negotiations with management of Media Generale, operators of the television station on ESB.

The last meeting they held with management was on February 7, 2017.

In the wake of the eerie silence from management, the workers decided to wear red attire to signal their frustration.

Management, however, found the conduct offensive and issued queries to more than 30 workers, some of whom said they simply wore a polo shirt produced and distributed to staff by the company itself.

The company may have found their explanation unsatisfactory and therefore issued dismissal letters to terminate their appointment with immediate effect.

They were immediately ordered to leave the premises.