UNICOF speaks on end-of-service benefits

Accra, Sept. 9, GNA - The Union of Industry, Commerce and Finance Workers (UNICOF) have asked government to give legal backing to the decision of the Tripartite Committee it gives as a communiqu=E9 on the End-of-Service Benefits (ESBs). A nine-point resolution the union passed at the end of the Founding Delegates Conference of the Union held in Kumasi recently reiterated the concern of Organised Labour over the implementation of de-freezing ESBs for workers.

The resolution signed by Mr Daniel Antwi-Boasiako and Mr Kofi Davoh, National Chairman and General Secretary respectively of UNICOF also expressed concern over the closure of the textile industry in Ghana and the "immense difficulties" the poultry sub-sector was undergoing, which had worsened the unemployment situation in the country. It subsequently called on the government to stem the tide by providing subsidies to the poultry industry and to protect local industries with tax rebates, high tariffs as well as the effective checking of smuggling activities.

It also reminded the government of the predicament of the workers of the defunct Ghana Airways and called on it to expedite action of negotiations with the affected workers. The resolution asked political parties to concentrate on issues that united and galvanised the people for productive purposes to consolidate democracy.

It urged the media to continue to reach for the highest levels of excellence in the pursuit of their role and responsibilities to the State.

On the cancellation of Ghana's debts by the G8 the resolution urged beneficiary governments to channel fallouts into ventures that would not only reduce but eradicate poverty.