GGSL workers express worry over January pay

Employees of Golden Gate Services Limited (GGSL), a private stevedoring company operating at the Tema harbour, have expressed worry over their January pay following a restructuring of the company.

Expressing their apprehension at a press conference in Tema on Saturday, the workers said the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) is dividing the company into two to form a new one known as Cargo Systems Company Limited (CSCL).

Mr James J. Jebuni, General Secretary of the National Union of Harbour Employees (Ghana), who addressed the press, said in spite of the split, all employees were with the GGSL operating under an allocation of 8.33 percent, which suggested that only about half of the workforce would receive their pay.

“Whilst GGSL is the sole employer of 100 percent of the workforce but does 50 percent of job so who pays the employees’ emolument this month and who should be left out,” he asked.

The General Secretary explained that generally a stevedore company must satisfy requirements such as availability of adequate equipment and other machinery, which have to be physically inspected by the GPHA before awarding allocation.

He said in the case of CSCL, the GPHA said the company was yet to complete its registration process before seeking a stevedore license.

According to Mr Jebuni, contrary to laid down requirements, the CSCL hired equipment from other companies to operate describing the action as inappropriate.

He produced series of letters indicating that the GPHA took the action in consultations with the sector Minister.

He appealed to President John Evans Atta Mills to move swiftly to bring sanity into the maritime industry and also revisit the contract of the Meridian Port Services Limited, which according to him enjoys more privileges than the local stevedore companies.

Source: GNA