The Industrial and Commercial Workers Union has warned of an escalation of agitation on the labor front as a result of the recent increase in fuel prices. The ICU shortly before Christmas confirmed to Joy Business, reports that a number of companies had begun engaging it on plans to lay off several employees because of severe challenges they face in the economy that has left them in a bad shape. According to the labor union the companies cite increases in utility tariffs and taxes as the main challenge, a situation the ICU says would be further worsened by the latest increase. Acting General Secretary Solomon Kotei told Joy Business government should have adopted the piecemeal approach as that could have mitigated the impact. He said, with the increases, employers are going to have to try and cut cost to stay in business and this will undoubtedly affect employees. Mr. Kotei added that the ICU will in due course formally present its position on the recent fuel price increases. Source: Joy Business/Ghana