Takoradi, May 3, GNA - Some 22 workers, belonging to the various unions and affiliate organizations of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) were on Saturday, presented with awards in recognition of their outstanding services in trade unionism. Seventeen others were presented with certificates of honour at this

year's Western Regional May Day Parade held at Takoradi. The awards include 14 and 21 inch colour television sets, sound systems, certificates of recognition and parcels.

Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, the Regional Minister and his deputy, Madam Betty Bosomtwi-Sam, Mr Kobina Pra Annan, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, among others, made the presentations. Some of the placards carried by the workers read "Take home pay cannot take us home", "SSNIT stop killing workers", "Utility Providers need economic tariffs" and "Gas is for VRA, Ministry of Energy stay away".

In an address, Mr Aidoo spoke on the theme for the celebration "Consolidating Workers Solidarity and the Legacy of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah" stressing that, as a great pillar in the promotion of activities in the labour movement, Dr. Nkrumah used the labour union in the struggle against colonial rule, He said workers must be guided by the spirit of patriotism to "die" a little for the country and to be mindful of the fact that, it is only Ghanaians who would develop Ghana. "We should adopt a hands-on approach to resolving issues rather than the partisan attitude that is unfortunately creeping into our society and destroying the social fabric", he said He said whether in the private or public sector, union activities should be modelled on dialogue rather than the militant posture, which at times takes the better part of negotiating skills, adding that, such dialogues would nip in the bud, any acrimony that would disturb industrial harmony and promote increased productivity. Mr Aidoo said government is sensitive to the plight of workers and it is for this reason that it has committed itself to make incomes appreciable.

He said it is incumbent on all labour unions to be forthcoming with their grievances to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission for rectification of all distortions and assured that, "As a social democratic government, the NDC would not implement any salary regime that will impoverish the Ghanaian worker". Mr Aidoo said one unfortunate thing that retards productivity in Ghana is the attitude of some heads of departments towards their subordinates, where they treat people under them as slaves, killing their morale. He said, "Let us make the workplace human friendly and forge a sense of unity among ourselves, regardless of the status of the worker, so that a congenial atmosphere would be created for maximum production". "Let us be guided by the virtues of hard work and commitment to the national cause, to ensure increased productivity for the overall development of Mother Ghana and be guided by the sense of nationalism". Mr Ellis Ankomah, Regional Secretary of the TUC, who read the address of the Secretary-General of the TUC, paid glowing tribute to Dr. Nkrumah for his abiding faith and commitment to the working people of the country. He recalled the critical role that worker unity and solidarity played in the anti-colonial struggle and the post independence days of the late 50's and the early 60's. Mr Ankomah said trade unions are still necessary in the modern world of work and cannot be replaced by so-called labour or industrial relations consultants and technicians. 3 May 10