General News of Monday, 26 August 2002

Source: gna

Retrenched MoH workers appeal to government

TWO hundred and fifty retrenched workers of the Western Regional branch of the Health Workers Union have appealed to the government to intervene and ensure that their full severance benefits are paid them.

A release issued in Takoradi and signed by Bawa Akwanta, Issac Annan and Mary Ghanasah, spokespersons of the group said the Ministry of Health which retrenched them in 1994 failed to pay them their full entitlements.

They contended that the formula for the retrenchment package of a severance amount which is equivalent to four months gross salary was not followed. The workers further stressed that an additional service payment equivalent to two months gross salary at the time of the termination of appointment was deliberately ignored.

According to the workers the meagre amount calculated and paid to them is a blatant attempt to deny them of their entitlements. The workers pointed out that the situation has caused them and their families great hardships and discomfort. They noted that the ministry has ignored a court order to pay them their entitlements.

The release, therefore, expressed the hope that the government would act to correct the anomaly and ensure full payment of their entitlements within the shortest possible time.