Mineworkers resume negotiations with Newmont

The Ghana Mineworkers Union (GMWU) have called off their intended strike and announced negotiations have resumed with Newmont on their salary and collective agreements.

The parties’ decision to return to the negotiating table follows the mineworkers' recent threat to strike and the company’s subsequent appeal to resume good-faith dialogue.

“We recognise that embarking on a strike will not be in the best interest of both parties and other stakeholders.

"The GMWU has therefore withdrawn its decision to strike and is focusing on reaching settlement on the on-going wage and salary negotiations,” GMWU’s General Secretary Prince Ankrah and Newmont Ghana’s Pascal Kanbonnabah - Regional Vice President, Human Resources stated in a joint media statement.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating to preserve a conducive work environment to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business and the jobs, incomes, and other broader benefits the business provides.

They expressed appreciation to the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations and the National Labour Commission for their role in facilitating a speedy resolution of the differences between the parties.

“Negotiating a mutually acceptable agreement that provides fair and equitable wage and salary adjustments for employees have to be done in the context of the current challenged gold mining and economic environment,” Ankrah and Kanbonnabah said.

The company and the GMWU affirmed their desire to collaboratively work together to safeguard the viability of the company while preserving employee jobs.