Strike action costs nation at least $10m a day

Accra (Greater Accra), 5^th February 2000

The recent strike action by the industrial and commercial workers union (ICU) cost the nation not less that 10 million dollars a day, Prince Kofi Kludjeson, President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), told a news conference in Accra on Friday.

Mr Kludjeson said although media reports said the strike had failed and had been called off some industries are still closed.

"From where I sit as an industrialist and the President of the AGI, I can sincerely tell you that the strike is not over.

"Some of my members are hurting badly, particularly those in the Tema and Accra Industrial areas."

A number of industries in the Accra-Tema metropolis remain shut although the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) called off its strike and asked its members to resume work on Thursday.

Workers of Tema Steel Works, Crocodile Machet, Paterson Zochonis (PZ), among other companies, have not heeded the directive of the national leadership of ICU on Wednesday urging them to resume work.

He said industries could not continue to borrow money at interest rates of about 40 per cent in addition to a high production cost and face a continuous strike.

"This will be tantamount to a complete collapse of our industries."

Mr. Kludjeson said he and the National Council of the AGI have been working around the clock to see how best they can resolve the crisis.

"We are therefore appealing to all stakeholders of the Tripartite Committee, comprising the government, TUC and the Ghana Employers' Association to continue

to work feverishly to resolve the issues quickly in the interest of industries and workers of this country.

"If we need to achieve the objectives of Vision 2020, then we need to resolve this crisis immediately."

Mr. Kludjeson pledged the willingness of AGI to offer its services to help in the resolution of persistent labour conflicts once and for all in order to create the industrial peace necessary for the achievement of Vision 2020.

He appealed to the ICU, TEGLEU and their members, the media and other

stakeholders to exercise restraint while attempts are being made solve the problems.

Mr. Kludjeson assured members of AGI that the National Council of the association would do all within its power to ensure that the crisis is resolved amicably.

GRi