Withdraw Strike Ultimatum, Ade Coker Begs Labour Unions

Greater Accra Region Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kobina Ade Coker has asked labour unions in the country to withdraw a threat of further strike actions in eight days if government fails to meet their demands. Twelve labour unions including teachers and health workers this week called off their almost two-week old strike after government secured a court order directing them to resume work The unions embarked on strike over the management of their tier two pension�s funds. Government however filed an ex parte motion praying the court to order the union members back to work. The court ruled in favour of government last Friday and reluctantly the Forum for Public Sector Registered Occupational Pension Schemes said they would comply with the court order. They however noted that some unions have not been served with the order. They argue this is a deliberate attempt by government to divide their front. The unions have vowed to resume the strike in one week if concerns over their pension deductions are not resolved, irrespective of any court order. Government has meanwhile failed to convene a meeting to resolve the issue. The Greater Accra NDC Chairman however believes there should be no pre-condition for the negotiations. �I think the labour unions should forget about the one week ultimatum and find solutions to the problem. You need to change your attitude towards strike� he demanded. However, Former Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party( NPP) Akomea said by law government is obliged to approve the choice of fund manager nominated by the workers after due diligence, and must therefore not impose one on them. �The solution I believe is for the public workers to take their tier two away from the government,� he maintained. He, however, urged both parties to sit down and negotiate for an amicable solution.