Newmont To Sack 470 Workers

Johan Ferreira
NEWMONT GHANA has reached an agreement with the Ghana Mineworkers Union (GMWU) to lay-off about 470 workers instead of the between 500 and 600 employees that the company had previously communicated.

The move, which was initially opposed by the mine workers who demanded justification, forms part of the retrenchment and restructuring exercise that the company is undertaking to ensure its survival.

The two bodies, in a joint press statement signed by GMWU's General Secretary, Prince Ankrah and Newmont Ghana's Regional Vice President, Human Resources, Pascal Kanbonnabah and released yesterday in Accra, indicated that Newmont would proceed with the reduction of its workforce this month.

'It is important we arrive at mutually acceptable outcome in the interest of the long-term sustainability of Newmont Ghana's operations,' the statement said.

According to the statement, all employees to be affected by the exercise would be duly compensated.

Speaking to BUSINESS GUIDE, Adiki O. Ayitevie, Director, External Affairs and Communications of Newmont Ghana, stated that 'without further endangering the sustainability of the business, we have carried out further job placements, rigorous reviews and consultations to minimize the impact on employees and save jobs.'

According to her, 'About 470 employees will now be impacted by the exercise. This is a clear reduction in the earlier figure of between 500 and 600 employees that the company had previously communicated.'

She further stated that 'we will treat impacted employees fairly and with dignity. Our package includes Outplacement and Counseling workshops to provide counseling, financial and career support and a generous compensation package to help ease

the financial impact.The programme will ensure that we show respect to our affected colleagues in appreciation of their valued service to Newmont.'

By Malvin Tarlue