Staff Working On The Tamale Interchange Call Off Strike

Some workers of the Sinohydro Company Limited SCL working on the Tamale Interchange who embarked on strike over the service conditions have called off the industrial action. The aggrieved workers all numbering over fifty 50, raised concerns about the non payment of annual leave benefits which have also allegedly been in

arrears for over three 3 months, the risk and the height allowances among others too. In an earlier statement issued by the workers, they accused management of failing to address their concerns after several several engagements. But after meeting with management and also union executives today, the staff have decided to

resume operations. A visit to the construction site saw some workers busily working. In contrast, the union executives for the workers have denied knowledge of such statement, saying not all workers joined the strike but only some 65 workers whose annual leave benefits have been in arrears. In an interview, chairman of the

union, Alhassan Alobo noted that even though they did not issue the statement, they are aware of the concerns raised by the workers and also said they have been in discussion with management to ensure leave requests for qualified workers are approved with benefits and other allowances due them paid. We do not want any

form of any confusion at the worksite. When they were going on strike against the company, they should have sat with their leaders. The union is unaware of the strike they embarked on. The foreman is not even aware. Only the workers decided to lay down their tools, although we were preparing for the increment payment. So we are waiting for the union to come, so we sit down and address the issues. Explaining why the payment of the

workers’ allowances have delayed, Human Resources Manager for the Sinohydro Project, Iddrisu Awudu said, the officer in charge of the payment has been away and is expected to return this month. The reason why the monies are not being paid early is that, the person in charge is not around and it is not as if the company is refusing to pay them. We explained all this to them, but the workers said they will not understand because we are giving them false information.