Edumadze urges workers' support for sound investment climate

Cape Coast, Sept. 20, GNA - The Central Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze, said on Tuesday that industrial actions did not only costs the nation huge sums of money, but also created the impression of tense industrial climate to scare potential investors away. He pointed out that the situation, resulted in the loss of foreign direct investment, which the nation " badly needs" to facilitate the golden age of business.

Mr Edumadze was speaking at a day's forum organised by members of the National Labour Commission (NLC) to brief workers, employers and organised labour about the functions of the Commission and the provisions of the new labour law.

The Regional Minister re-assured workers that the government was conscious of the fact that the major cause of strikes was inadequate wages and salaries of public sector employees. He, however, noted that while efforts were being made to ensure some realistic emoluments for workers, there was also the need for workers to exercise restraint in order not to destabilize the economic gains achieved so far, adding "let us not forget that international capital is nomadic and grazes in areas of industrial peace". He tasked all stakeholders to ensure the use of dialogue and avoid violent confrontations by resorting to appropriate channels for the resolution of industrial disputes.

Mr Edumadze stressed the need for institutions like the NLC to be given the necessary support by all stakeholders to enable them to perform effectively.

He expressed the hope that the forum would allay all anxieties and fears about the functions of the Commission, as well as bring the participants abreast with the provisions of the Labour Act 651 of 2003, to help sustain industrial peace The Chairman of the Commission, Mr Joseph Aryitey, briefed the participants on the functions of the Commission and some provisions of the new labour law.

He said the Commission was set up to facilitate the settlement of industrial disputes and to promote effective labour cooperation between labour and management.