Tension is reportedly mounting at the premises of the Maersk Line Ghana Limited as workers are up in arms against management of the company over what they describe as unfair labour practices. The Tema District Council of Labour (TDCL) has issued a week’s ultimatum to authorities to resolve the workers’ concerns. According to the TDCL, they have been forced to issue the ultimatum because of the refusal of the management of the company to reach a compromise with the workers to resolve the impasse. A statement signed by the chairman, Wilson Agana and the Secretary, Ebenezer Taylor of the TDCL, warned that the Council and the workers will advice themselves if nothing is done when the date for the ultimatum elapses. The workers have accused management of victimization, job insecurity, discrimination and salary disparity which they blame the Human Resource Manager, Mrs. Ada Chinyere for perpetrating. They alleged that management has deliberately penalized union leaders with forced redundancy and demotions without involving the Chief Labour Officer. Another issue raised by the TDCL and the workers is salary disparities; currently the workers are demanding an 18 – 20 per cent salary increment but the management insists on paying 12 per cent which the workers’ Union has rejected. The workers consequently called for the removal of the Human Resource Manager Ada Adaugo Chinyere; who the local Union accuses of maligning and peddling falsehood. Workers of the company have however agreed to stay on the job till next week while their union (UNICOF) attempts last minute meetings to resolve the issues. Maersk Line Ghana Limited also owns Damko Ghana Limited (formerly Maersk Logistics) and Safmarine. The workers have described the latest development as unfortunate especially after the First Lady Ernestina Naadu Mills was named as the god mother of the new Maersk Cape Coast vessel, commissioned last week. If the situation is not resolved within the next few days export of cocoa beans and other products may suffer as the company remains the biggest shipper of cocoa. Efforts to reach the Human Resource Manager and the Local Union chairman were unsuccessful as all stakeholders were locked up in a closed door meeting to discuss the issue. Story by Afia Pokuaa/Adom News/Ghana