Speedline workers demonstrate for removal of MD

Tema, May 11, GNA - Workers of Speedline Stevedoring Company at Tema and Takoradi on Wednesday went on a peaceful demonstration at the company's premises at Tema to demanded the resignation of Mr Anthonio Barcon Castro, the Managing Director, for alleged incompetence that has led to a decrease in production.

They have locked him out and warned him never to step at the company again.

Briefing newsmen, Mr Emmanuel Okoso, secretary of the Local union, accused the Mr Castro, a Spanish, of persistently violating the administrative procedure of the company and took unilateral actions that placed workers at a disadvantage.

He said the MD could not implement simple management policy enshrined in the company's Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Mr Okoso said formerly they were producing at between 70 and 80 percent capacity "but because of the MD's selfish and poor managerial strategy we presently produce at 40 percent".

He said Mr Castro has continuously failed to honour an invitation by the workers and Maritime/Dock Workers Union to meetings to discuss their plight and has also ignored their plea to replace the obsolete equipment.

Mr Castro has also been accused of not reviewing the workers' salary structure while both management staff and members of the board are cowed and so do not hold meetings.

Mr Okoso alleged that workers in responsible positions who go on leave are often replaced with relatives of the MD who know nothing about the job.