Union concerned over lack of interest in Ghana Airways severance

Accra, June 28, GNA - The National Executive Council of Union of Industry, Commerce and Finance Workers (UNICOF) has expressed concern over what it described as the Government's lack of enthusiasm in the severance awards to workers of the former national carrier, Ghana Airways. A resolution issued at the end of a meeting in Kumasi at the weekend said the Union felt betrayed by the Government's decision on the liquidation of Ghana Airways at a time when the parties were negotiating.

"Government's action is a demonstration of bad faith and an attempt to twist the arms of the Union in its quest for a fair and just severance package," the resolution released in Accra on Tuesday said. "Council calls on (the) Government to return to the negotiation table for parties to reach an acceptable severance package for workers of Ghana Airways." In a related issue, the Council urged the Government as a matter of urgency to resolve the difference between the Divestiture Implementation Committee and the Management of Ghana Food Company (GAFCO) on the current shareholding structure of the Company.

According to the resolution, employees of the GAFCO were at home on half salary pending the resolution of the matter thus creating untold hardships for the workers. The Council called on the Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment, Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister of Finance and Economic Planning to intervene to see to the early resolution of the matter in the interest of the workers and stakeholders.