Timber workers not paid for 8 months

The Timber and Woodworkers Union (TWU) has given a 48-hour ultimatum to the management of Oda Sawmills to pay the staff their eight -month outstanding salaries or face their wrath.

In a press conference to express their worry, the General Secretary of the union, Mr Joshua Ansah said failure of the Oda Sawmill management to pay the workers had brought hardships to them.

“Due to the unfortunate situation many of the workers are being divorced by their wives, ejected by their landlords whiles their children have stopped schooling,” he said.

Mr Ansah expressed worry about the attitude of Mr Seth Fiifi Aboagye, the General Manager of the Company, who refused to attend a meeting scheduled at Akyem Oda on Monday to find how best to resolve the problem.

He said TWU would not look on unconcerned while workers rights were abused with impunity by their management.

A worker told the GNA that their labour force used to be over 1,200 but due to poor working conditions their number had been reduced to only 200.

He appealed to the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare to come to their aid.

The workers on Tuesday went on a peaceful demonstration at Akyem Oda after which they presented a petition to Ms Ophelia Koomson, Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive.

Source: GNA