ECG staff demand severance pay over privatization fears

The Public Utility Workers Union of the Ghana Trades Union Congress is demanding severance package from Government for staff members of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) before the controversial Power Compact Agreement under the Millennium Challenge Account Compact II deal is finalised.

General Secretary of PUWU, Michael Nyantakyi fear their members could be laid off without any compensation if the private company takes over the management of the state owned company.

Addressing Journalists in Kumasi after a closed door meeting with staff members of ECG in Ashanti region, Mr. Nyantakyi said government must come clear on severance package for their member while the concessionaire agreement continues.

“There is always that apprehension and fear that looking at things that are happening at other places, government will pay the severance package and then at the end of the day…they will be laid off.

“That is why we are pushing that issue of severance should be placed on the table. For instance a company like Ghana Airways there are still staff who couldn’t get the full severance,” Mr. Nyantakyi told.