Accra (Greater Accra) 3rd May ?99

Vice-President John Evans Atta Mills has stressed the need for mutual settlement of labour disputes.

Addressing a large rally of workers to mark this year's May Day celebrations in Accra at the weekend, Professor Mills said where there is no agreement, the parties should abide by the statutory provisions in the Industrial Relations Act of 1965.

"This is the best way for speedy and mutually acceptable resolution of our labour problems with minimal damage to the economy and inconvenience to the general public."

This year's celebrations, was under the theme of "Challenges of the 21st century - The role of the Ghana Labour Movement".

Prof. Mills said the country's labour laws are bound to change from a centralised one to suit the liberalised economy and, therefore, invited workers to fully take part in the forum on the new Labour Code scheduled for the end of May.

Outstanding issues that delayed the implementation of the medium to long-term public sector salary and wages policy, popularly called "Price Waterhouse Report", have been settled and workers will begin to enjoy the adjustments from June, this year, he said.

Prof. Mills explained that the two-month delay following the final meeting between the Central Management Board (CMB) and workers' representatives in April is to enable the Accountant-General to effect the changes in the payroll.

He re-assured workers that the adjustments will be effective from January, this year. The CMB will also be ready to consider and find acceptable solutions to problems that may arise during its implementation.

Mr Christian Appiah Agyei, Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), cautioned the management in the public sector who use difficulties in the implementation of the "Price Waterhouse" policy to delay the re-negotiation of expired collective bargaining agreements.

If workers' rights are downtrodden, the "TUC would have no choice but to come out and defend the heritage bequeathed to us", he said.

Mr Appiah Agyei stressed the need for a social policy geared towards the achievement of equity and also provides for job creation and employment generation.

"Social policy must also take account of the needs of the population in the area of housing, education, health and utility services".

Thirty-eight unionists received national and regional awards of television sets and radio/cassette players respectively, for their outstanding services to labour welfare.

Some placards borne by the workers read: "Satisfy the producer", "Increase minimum daily wage", "Corrupt state officials must be prosecuted", and "E.U. be fair to Ghana".