The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) has urged the government and other stakeholders to support State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) that are struggling to survive in the competitive market.
According to the workers’ union, SOEs such as Aluworks Ghana Limited, Neoplan Ghana Limited, PBC Limited, and Volta Star Textiles Limited, have the potential to contribute significantly to the national economy, but they need financial and technical assistance to revive and sustain their operations.
In its New Year message, signed by Morgan Ayawine, General Secretary, ICU-Ghana said the government should pay serious attention to some strategic SOEs in 2024 and inject the needed resources into them.
“This is one progressive way, to help those whose jobs are on the line in such organizations and also, go a long way to creating sustainable employment opportunities for our teaming young people,” it said.
The union also commended the government for its efforts to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak, which has disrupted many businesses and livelihoods in the country.
It praised the health workers, security personnel, media practitioners, and other frontline workers for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against the pandemic.
It urged the government to continue to provide the necessary support and incentives to these workers, as well as ensure the equitable distribution of the vaccines that are expected to arrive in the country soon.
The union also appealed to the government to address the challenges facing the education sector, especially the implementation of the free senior high school policy, which has been marred by inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding, and poor quality.
It called for more investment in the sector to improve the learning outcomes and prepare the students for the future.
The union also expressed its solidarity with the workers in the banking, mining, aviation, hospitality, and other sectors that have been affected by the economic downturn and the restructuring exercises.
It urged the employers to engage in social dialogue respect the rights and welfare of the workers, and avoid arbitrary layoffs and salary cuts.
It also advised the workers to be diligent, productive, and loyal to their employers, and to observe the safety protocols and guidelines to protect themselves and their families from the virus.
The union also pledged its commitment to work with the government, employers, and other social partners to promote industrial harmony, social justice, and national development.
Source: MSN
