Takoradi, Jan 27, GNA - Western Castings Company Limited, a foundry company in Takoradi, has been shut down for re-structuring. A letter from the management pasted on the premises said, "Effective this day January 26, 2006, the factory is shut down for re-structuring until further notice".

"Salaries for January 2006 and one month pay in lieu of notice for disengagement have been paid into the bank accounts of the workers.'' The doors of the factory were locked and policemen were on guard. Workers who turned up for work said they were not happy with the closure.

Mr Charles Abban, Local Union Chairman, told the Ghana News Agency that management did not consult the union before closing down the factory and that about 337 workers would be affected by the shut down. Mr Jim Petey Djan, Western Regional Chairman of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU), advised the workers to remain calm, disciplined and law abiding and rally behind the union leaders to resolve the matter amicably.

Mr Tetteh Quaye, Production Manager of the Company, said he was not aware of the management decision until he reported for work ''although I am a member of the management team.''