The Minister of Labour, Cooper W. Kruah, has formally requested the management of the Firestone Plantation Company to place an immediate hold on the proposed redundancy of Winston Ford, Co-chair of the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union (FAWUL).
In a communication addressed to the company, Kruh said, the Ministry’s recommendation is based on findings from ongoing investigations and observations, which suggest that proceeding with Mr. Ford’s redundancy at this time could trigger industrial unrest.
Kruah said, approximately six weeks ago, the legal counsel of Firestone informed the Ministry of management’s intention to declare six employees redundant, including Mr. Ford. The matter was subsequently forwarded to the director of workers’ compensation for review and technical advice.
While the communication was under review, according to a release, the Ministry received concerns from over 46 workplace representatives, who not only rejected the proposed redundancy, but submitted a petition that urged Mr. Ford to contest the Union’s chairmanship.
A copy of the petition, duly signed by the representatives, was presented to the Ministry. The workplace representatives serve as elected voices of workers across various departments and sections of the plantation.
In light of these developments, the Ministry initiated a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Kruah spoke of the sequence of events in which Ford was petitioned to contest the chairmanship, but was subsequently listed for redundancy.
The act raises serious concerns, warranting caution and due diligence.
Accordingly, the Ministry has requested management to suspend any action on the redundancy pending further review.