Business News of Thursday, 3 March 2005

Source: GNA

Entrepreneurs asked to encourage the formation of labour unions

Accra, March 3, GNA - The Building and Materials Workers' Union (CBMWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has expressed the need for the formation of labour unions at all work places to promote industrial harmony and enhance productivity.

Mr Pius K. Quainoo, General Secretary of the CBMWU who made this known in Accra said labour unions boost dialogue between management and staff at work places, which tend to defuse tension in the labour front. He was speaking during a meeting with The Management of P. W. Ghana Limited, a private construction firm in Accra on some key union matters. After the one hour meeting attended by Mr O' Neil (ed. Correct) the Managing Director of the Company decided to replace works committees management, his outfit has put in place to deal with workers grievances with local workers unions.

The Company agreed to collaborate with the CBMWU and the Association of Road Contractors to arrive at a conclusive Collective Bargaining Agreement for the workers.

Mr O'Neil gave the assurance that management would not victimise any worker who became a unionist.

He said it was essential that workers committed themselves to work ethics to enhance productivity.

Mr Martin Didemudu, Senior Industrial Relations Officer of the Labour Department expressed the need for cooperation between management and the unions at all work places to sustain industrial peace.