The Cocoa Carriers Association has called off their indefinite strike after almost a week of fighting for a pay increase and better working conditions.
Although the “Cocoa Carriers” rejected the increment after the meeting, they have now agreed to return to work for the sake of the country’s economy and the role the commodity plays.
According to them, although the management of the Ghana Cocoa Board has not agreed to their request for the GHc 1.00 per bag payment, they are optimistic that a better condition of service will be agreed on going forward.
A spokesperson for the Cocoa Carriers in Kajebril, Steven Owusu told Nana Amuesi, host of Ahoto FM’s morning show that they are happy for now to get back to work and to concentrate on the future.
He said the Executives of the Association met with the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) a day after their strike to improve their salaries and also provide better working conditions.
He said an amount of 82 pesewas was agreed to take effect from yesterday while payment will be backdated to cover the months of October – December last year.
Against this backdrop, the Association has asked all members in the other regions, Kumasi and Tema to return to work so that they can continue with the negotiations moving forward.
Mr Owusu denied the allegation that the Executives of the Association had been bribed to call off the strike and said discussions were ongoing to eliminate the issue of middlemen who usually facilitate recruitment into the Association.
He also denied the assertion that the call-off was a result of the company’s decision to bring onboard prison inmates to carry the cocoa loads and said members of the Association have a cordial relationship with the company.
Meanwhile, COCOBOD has also hinted that it will continue to engage with the workers to improve upon their conditions of service.
