Private firms advised to support formation of labour unions
Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, on Friday asked operators of private enterprises to allow their workers to form labour unions to seek their welfare.
The minister expressed worry that some private entrepreneurs restricted the formation of such unions by their employees, and observed that complaints and petitions received by the Western Regional Coordinating Council came from workers and ex-employees of small-scale firms.
He said the grievances involved non-payment or delay in the payment of entitlements such as salaries, end of service benefits and social security.
Mr Aidoo made the call in a speech read on his behalf by Captain (rtd ) Anthony Cudjoe, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, at a two-day training workshop on labour in Takoradi, on the theme: “managing the employment relationship, ” at Takoradi.
It was organised by the National Labour Commission for operators and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry in the Western Region.
Mr Aidoo said although the 1992 Constitution guarantees the right of workers to join unions, “some employers disallow their employees from forming or joining unions of their choice”.
The minister said he was optimistic that the workshop would deliberate more on labour Act 651 of 2003, to enable management and employees to comply with its tenets, to ensure cordial relationship between management and workers in the private sector.
Giving an overview of the labour Act 651 of 2003, Dr. Kofi Baku, a History lecturer and legal consultant, stressed the need for management and workers in the oil/gas industry to adhere strictly to the regulations binding the sector, to avert unforeseen circumstances.
He said the oil/gas industry was strategic for the nation and required that its staff understood and complied with labour laws in order to operate harmoniously, to enhance productivity for the growth of the economy.
Dr. Baku asked labour unions to go about their work devoid of hate and hostile languages and instead use laid down mechanism to resolve disputes.
He, however, said that “dispute resolution starts from negotiations at the workplace and to avoid conflicts, local union leaders must apply the labour law and exhaust negotiations before submission for mediation.”
Dr. Baku appealed to government and employers to ensure the enforcement of the labour Act.
Source: GNA
| Private enterprises advised to support formation of labour unions |
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Takoradi, July 27, GNA – Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, on Friday asked operators of private enterprises to allow their workers to form labour unions to seek their welfare. The minister expressed worry that some private entrepreneurs restricted the formation of such unions by their employees, and observed that complaints and petitions received by the Western Regional Coordinating Council came from workers and ex-employees of small-scale firms. He said the grievances involved non-payment or delay in the payment of entitlements such as salaries, end of service benefits and social security. Mr Aidoo made the call in a speech read on his behalf by Captain (rtd ) Anthony Cudjoe, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, at a two-day training workshop on labour in Takoradi, on the theme: “managing the employment relationship, ” at Takoradi. It was organised by the National Labour Commission for operators and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry in the Western Region. Mr Aidoo said although the 1992 Constitution guarantees the right of workers to join unions, “some employers disallow their employees from forming or joining unions of their choice”. The minister said he was optimistic that the workshop would deliberate more on labour Act 651 of 2003, to enable management and employees to comply with its tenets, to ensure cordial relationship between management and workers in the private sector. Giving an overview of the labour Act 651 of 2003, Dr. Kofi Baku, a History lecturer and legal consultant, stressed the need for management and workers in the oil/gas industry to adhere strictly to the regulations binding the sector, to avert unforeseen circumstances. He said the oil/gas industry was strategic for the nation and required that its staff understood and complied with labour laws in order to operate harmoniously, to enhance productivity for the growth of the economy. Dr. Baku asked labour unions to go about their work devoid of hate and hostile languages and instead use laid down mechanism to resolve disputes. He, however, said that “dispute resolution starts from negotiations at the workplace and to avoid conflicts, local union leaders must apply the labour law and exhaust negotiations before submission for mediation.” Dr. Baku appealed to government and employers to ensure the enforcement of the labour Act. |