GWU says various firms considering shorter working week

The GWU said today it was reiterating its appeal to the government not to raise the power tariffs in an increasingly uncertain economic climate.

The union said its officials had been told by the management of various companies that they were considering dismissals and going on a reduced working week.

The union said it would hold the government responsible for turmoil in the labour sector if it continued to insist on raising the tariffs.

Those plans, the union said, were also alarming workers because of the impact on their purchasing power.

'O' rings maker Trelleborg, which employs some 600 workers, confirmed last week it had gone on a four-day week.