The Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU) has given the strongest indication yet not to tolerate what it describes as undue delays in salary negotiations for its members from next year.
[contextly_sidebar id=”C2iJ9BrE5oNkQOtTPFXDeSQHksn5jOeD”]The mine workers argue that the increasing number of protracted negotiations is likely to ruin the sector’s output if workers are continuously marginalized.
“We remain committed to the course of our members and will always ensure they benefit equitably in the outcomes of our collective efforts and therefore any company or group of companies who are committed to needlessly drag this year’s negotiations into 2017 must revise their notes immediately,” General Secretary of the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union, Prince William Ankrah stated.
He added, “Let me state emphatically that we do not have the appetite and the patience, and therefore shall not countenance any such attempt(s).”
The mine workers have also blamed large scale multinational businesses for defaulting in the provision of better conditions of service.
Prince William Ankrah further cautioned of huge protests if the issues remain unresolved.
“Indeed, they have consistently proven that their focus is only on profits, shareholder dividend, and speedy procurement of mining fleet and nothing else. It is therefore not surprising that we are still sitting with a paltry 5 percent year-to-date success rate on salary negotiations.”
Mr. Ankrah who was speaking at the opening session of the Union’s National Executive Council meeting in Accra on Wednesday, further highlighted some major developments in the mining sector for 2015.
Key among the issues included the plea for government to revamp the Obuasi mine.
The union contends that the lackluster attitude towards the revamping of the Obuasi mine has culminated in most businesses redirecting their investments and businesses to more favourable and profitable destinations.
In addition, the union is unhappy that the major mining company operating in the area, AngloGold Ashanti, has been subjected to the intrusion by informal miners’ or ‘galamsey’ activities.
Meanwhile the Mine workers union has lauded the Minerals’ Commission for the establishment of the Minerals Revenue Development Fund (MDF).
The fund will among others provide financial resources for the direct benefit of mining communities, holders of interest in land as well as traditional and local government authorities within mining areas.
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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana