Government asked to take interest in labour issues

Swedru, (C/R), May 14, GNA - The professional and Managerial Staff Union (PMSU) of the Standard Chartered Bank has called on employers and the government to take interest in workers concerns and institute measures in resolving labour issues.

"It is the surest way to abate and avert the recent rise of labour agitations in the country and would affect economic success of the country if measures were not taken to address them," the union added. Speaking at the Bi-annual Conference of Stanchart at Swedru at the weekend, Mr. Atta Sey, Chairman of the PMSU said the new labour law had made provisions on the rights, responsibility and duties for the benefit of both employers and workers.

He, therefore, urged the parties to study the new labour law and have a fruitful working relationship to enhance productivity and good condition of service.

The conference was on the theme: "New Labour Law: Prospects and challenges"

Mr. Sey said PMSU expected their employers to take them as partners in development, protect their interest as workers to open and keep channels of communication with workers as mandated by the Labour Act. He also pledged the workers commitment to enhance productivity and to protect employer's interest as required under the Act. Mr. Sey appealed to stakeholders and government to review the SSNIT Act to benefit contributors, who had exceeded the 240 months as stipulated in the SSNIT Act.

"Contributors should be able to access at least 20% of their contributions to enhance their lives before retirement".

Mr Sey said the main aim of the new legislation was to facilitate the speedy and fair resolution of industrial disputes without recourse to the endless process and delays of the law courts.

Mr Kofi Asamoah, Deputy Secretary General of the Ghana Trades Union (TUC) described the New Labour Act as user friendly, both in terms of language and content.