The management of Golden Exotic Limited (GEL) and Golden Organics Ltd (GOL) have laid off its workers numbering 2,750.
According to management, the local union embarked on a violent industrial action, injuring three innocent workers on the field, one motor bike was burnt, seven cars were damaged and the Sector 2 offices were besieged over bonus increment.
The statement said, for the past month management has been holding discussions with regards to the request by the union to calculate bonuses using boxes produced instead of tonnage produce.
This request was granted by management, however the union further requested an increment on the amount of bonus.
Their request was a bonus increment of 250% but management was willing to give 30% , they declined such an offer hence the violence action.
The Managing Director Mr Benedict Rich said there were negotiations ongoing between them and the workers after receiving complains from them before this violent incidence took place on the 11th December 2019 forcing the company to close down the farm indefinitely.
He said employees who wish to further work with GEL/GOL may reapply by picking forms at designated places which will be announced for applicants.
Meanwhile the Vice President of Golden Exotics (GEL) and Golden Organics Ltd (GOL) Mr Olivier Chassang revealed plans are underway to expand production if the social confidence is favorable for such investment.
Golden Exotic is a leading producer of bananas and pineapples in Ghana with a track record of over 10 years; the company is both Global G.A.P and Fair Trade certified. GEL runs two plantations which, together covers a surface area of over 8,600 hectares. One plantation is devoted to pineapples and harvests 10,000 tons per year while the other concentrates on banana production with an annual fresh production capacity of about 50,000 tons
By Austin Ofori Addo/austinofori.addo@gmail.com
