The Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) says it is left with no option than to go ahead with its planned nationwide demonstration against recent utility tariff hikes. The demonstration is scheduled for Thursday morning, 29th August 2010. General Secretary of the union, Gilbert Awinongya, told Joy News those in authority are mostly moved into action when they are communicated to through demonstration, quoting the popular saying “action speaks louder than words”. He said there are increasing complaints from workers about the unbearable tariffs and hoped Thursday's demonstration will force the Public Utility and Regulatory Commission (PURC) and the government to listen and react to their concerns. Gilbert Awinongya however assured that the nationwide demonstration would be “very peaceful”. It is aimed at letting the government know the impact of the existing tariff hikes, citing the rate at which workers are being laid off by industries as an effect. He called on all and sundry to support the union’s cause, arguing that what is under the spotlight should be of concern to all. “We want to let the government, let the whole world, let every individual Ghanaian know [that] it is not an ICU affair, maybe that is the sad aspect of it... it is a national issue.” Even though the government has urged the PURC to meet with other stakeholders to compromise on acceptable utility tariffs, nothing has been heard so far. Mr Awinongya queried: “Have you heard the PURC publicly say anything about it? And you know the syndrome is that ‘we are looking into it’. [As] politicians, they are looking into it, we are also saying whilst you are still looking into it, we are suffering.” The ICU General Secretary said the government has been informed about the intended nationwide strike. He said the government would be presented with a petition for immediate action. Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana