Trouble At Mining Department of Newmont

Space FM, Kenyase - Aggrieved Staff of the Operations and Maintenance Unit of the Mining Department of Newmont Ghana Gold, on Monday laid down their tools in protest against what they described as "administrative incompetencies and sheer lack of respect" for them on the part of their Head, Mr. Kelvin King.

The demonstrating staff, numbering about three hundred, refused to operate any of the 24 Dump Trucks, demanding the removal of Mr. King.

They complained that the Annual Party for them has been scrapped, Junior Staff are paid the same salaries as thier seniors and their Canteen is located too close to the loo. Again, the staff are protesting against the alleged plans by management to dismiss all female staff of the unit because of frequent pregnancies.

They therefore demanded that the Head of the Department, Mr King be removed and flown out by the available helicopter to restore peace.

The Principal Communications Officer of Newmont, Mr. Steven Baffoe told our News Editor that "management has taken notice of all the grievances of the staff and is accordingly addressing them".

Mr Baffoe said initially, the Mining Department wanted to do away with this year's get together due to their huge number but following the protest, the decision has been reversed.

He added that " concerning the Salary Grading System, there are procedures to be followed to address the problem as contained in the agreement between members of the Ghana Mine Workers Union and mangement".

The Principal Communications Officer said "mangement is addressing the issue of the Staff Canteen being too close the toilet".

He however denied that management is planning to sack female staff of the unit because of frequent pregnancies. He explained the Newmont ensures that a greater percentage of females are recruited and maintained as part the company's Gender Balancing Agenda. Meanwhile officials of the Ghana Mine Workers Union, are in to Kenyase to lend support to addressing the problems. It is believed the aggrieved would return to work before Wednesday when their problems are adequately addressed.