TDCL supports Merchant Bank workers to re-instate union leader

The Tema District Council of Labour (TDCL) of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), has thrown its unflinching support behind the workers of Merchant Bank Ghana Limited and UNICOF, on their request for the re-instatement of Mr Jonas Koranteng-Smart, Union Chairman of the bank.

Management of the bank is said to have unjustifiably terminated the appointment of Mr Koranteng-Smart, whilst he was serving the course of workers’ interest.

The TDCL is demanding that Management of the Bank respects the decision of the National Labour Commission to re-instate Mr Koranteng-Smart unconditionally.

The Council’s demand is contained in a letter addressed to the Managing Director of the bank dated September 11, 2012 and signed by Mr Wilson Agana and Mr Ebenezer Kodwo Taylor, Chairman and Secretary respectively.

The letter cautioned that “if these demands are not met within two weeks upon receipt of this letter, the TDCL shall advise itself.”

The Council alleged that it had received credible information concerning some bizarre and unimaginable happenings with respect to industrial and labour relations practices within the bank.

TDCL expressed its surprise that a big and reputable organization like Merchant Bank had refused to abide by laid down procedures agreed upon and signed by the Union and Management.

The letter pointed out that the Council was amazed that Management of the bank had set aside the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and instituted its own unacceptable Committee.

The action, it stated, amounted to unfair labour practices contrary to the provisions of the National Labour Act.

It indicated that Management had disrespected the decision of the National Labour Commission and that of the Trades Union Congress’ Ninth Quadrennial Delegates’ Congress, to re-instate Mr Koranteng-Smart without any tangible reason.

“You and your Management without recourse to the tenets of the CBA, industrial relations guidance and practices, as well as the spirit of the National Labour Act, has unilaterally arrogated to yourself to ignore the CBA, and trample on the rights of your workers,” it stated.

Management of the bank, the letter noted, intended to silence its workers not to come out with their grievances, even if they have problems.

The TDCL further stated that the unwarranted actions of Management of the bank were intended to cow down and trample on the rights of the workers, as it was an affront to the freedom of expression enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, and the provisions of the National Labour Act and the ILO Convention.