General News of Thursday, 15 October 1998

Source: --

Bank executive to proceed on leave

Accra (Greater Accra Region) 15 Oct. '98 Mr Fred Asamany, Executive Head, Business Change, Barclays Bank, is to proceed on leave to pave the way for smooth solution of the industrial action embarked upon by the bank's workers.

This is part of a settlement reached at a meeting between Mr Austin Gamey, Deputy Minister, Employment and Social Welfare, the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union of the TUC and Management of the Bank to facilitate the resumption of work by striking workers of the bank.

A Memorandum of understanding issued after the meeting held on October 14, and chaired by the deputy Minister, said the impasse "centred on Mr Asamany" who is being asked to proceed on leave "pending further investigation into the concerns raised by the local union and the senior staff".

It was further agreed that a three-member committee be appointed by the Ministry to investigate the concerns which are to be submitted in writing by close of work on Monday, October 19, 1998.

The committee is expected to submit its report to the Ministry within three weeks for consideration.

The Memorandum directed all workers of the Bank both at the head office and its branches throughout the country to resume work immediately without any pre-condition.

Workers of the bank went on strike last Tuesday demanding the removal from office of Mr. Asamany for his ''anti - worker'' attitude among other charges. GRi