General News of Tuesday, 11 March 2008

Source: GNA

Minister reiterates call on railway workers to return to work

Accra, March 11, GNA - Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister of Harbours and Railways, has reiterated his call on workers of the Ghana Railway Company Limited to end their strike action.

He assured the striking workers that their petitions, grievances and concerns would be addressed by the Ministry.

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi who made the call in a statement signed by Mr Ahmed Ayuba, Special Assistant to the Minister, noted that the continued strike action by the workers was having a "significant toll" on the modest finances of the company.

Mr Ameyaw-Akumfi said the intervention of the National Labour Commission underscored the importance that stakeholders attached to the grievances of the striking workers.

"The decision of the Commission requires all parties to play defined roles and it is my hope that management, unions and government will abide by the decision of the Commission," the Minister said.

He also said the salary arrears of the workers had been lodged in the account of the Ghana Railway Company Limited and that the workers ought to return to work in order to access the money.

The workers have been on strike for several weeks to press demands for increased salary and improved working conditions.