The Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Jerry K. Hinson has asked workers of the refinery to desist from any illegal conducts.

According to him, no worker will be spared should he or she be found culpable of breaching the Labour Act.

Mr Hinson said the ramifications under the relevant laws will be applied fully without fear or favour,” he said in a letter addressed to the workers over a planned industrial action.

“Kindly be aware of the illegality of any such actions under clauses 168- 1 71 of the Labour Act and the consequences thereunder for participants/staff involved. Please be aware of section 171 in particular which emphasises the term “picketing” which is only lawful in furtherance of a lawful strike/industrial action.”

“Kindly be advised finally that participation of staff in any illegal action or picketing or indeed any act that purports to disrupt the activities of the Company or possibly undermine the authority of the Shareholder will be subjected to the prescribed ramifications under the relevant laws.”

The General Transport Petroleum Chemical Workers Union (GTPCWU) on Tuesday, April 18 announced its intention to embark on a series of actions to compel the government and the Ministry of Energy to revamp the company from collapse.

The National Chairman of GTPCWU, Mr Bernard Owusu at a press conference at the premises of the Refinery said the industrial action would precede the May Day celebrations.

Mr Owusu indicated that the need for the revamping of TOR has become even more important now due to the current economic crisis and the palpitating fuel prices.

“At a time of ongoing financial distress and debt restructuring program, significant benefits of this magnitude in an essential commodity such as petroleum products should be top on the national agenda.

Unless the managers of the country have no confidence in those they have appointed to manage the TOR facility. The state is responsible for and determines those who constitute the Board of Directors and the MD of TOR. 

Therefore, all past and current operational anomalies and challenges must be borne by the appointing authority of these key critical office holders, knowing very well that all operational controls are a function of management.”

However, the TOR MD has warned of that any illegality will be dealt with according to law.