GSBPL Management explains action on dismissal

Bogoso (W/R), Dec. 13, GNA- The Management of Golden Star Bogoso/Prestea Limited (GSBPL) has explained that, it terminated the appointment of the branch Chairman of the Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU), Mr Eric Mathew Cudjoe, due to his past records of breaching company's policies and procedures.

According to the Management, Mr Cudjoe organises workers meetings without the consent of management.

The Management referred to parts of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed between them and the GMWU in 2004, which said "The Company will permit the branch Union to gather its members on its premises or Union meetings provided that the company's permission for such meetings is obtained".

It said Cudjoe did not obtain permission from Management, before convening a meeting that was stopped by the Prestea underground Mine Manager, Mr Nick Westley.

Management said though Mr Cudjoe went through "progressive discipline and corrections to change him, he did not". It said Cudjoe should have respected the laws governing employment relationship, because he has no immunity and separate conditions of service, despite his position as the branch Union Chairman. "The company has one CBA, and if it's breached, regardless of one's position, the punishment thereof should be applied".

The Management said both verbal and written warnings had been given to Cudjoe, but all could not stop him from flouting the laws of the company.