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Commission urged to help upgrade judiciary knowledge on
labour law
Sunyani (B/A), April 3, Ghanadot/GNA –
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on the Labour
Commission to organize series of training workshops to
upgrade the knowledge of the judiciary on the new labour
law.
This, the Union said would not only help the judiciary to
handle cases concerning labour appropriately, but also get
them abreast with the work of the labour commission.
Mr Kofi Asamoah, Acting Secretary General of TUC made the
call on behalf of the union on Wednesday when he interacted
with members of the Brong-Ahafo Regional, Municipal and
District Councils of labour in Sunyani.
“It is very unfortunate to note that some judges continue to
make references to the common law, which is now outmoded in
handling issues of labour instead of the labour law, leaving
the work of employees at stake,” Mr Asamoah said.
He expressed concern about job and income insecurity in the
public sector, noting that in-spite of the 60 years of
existence of TUC, workers continued to receive their
salaries late.
Mr Asamoah explained that, even though Ghana was signatory
to the minimum wage curtain, it did not have any enforcement
mechanism and “if it does then, any employer who pays an
employee below the minimum wage must be prosecuted”.
He expressed regret that some employers were frustrating
their workers in joining unions saying, “and they do so by
flouting the laws of the land with impunity.”
The Acting Secretary General said the potential work force
of the country now stands at eight million and it was
worrying to note that, only about one million were
unionized.
Mr Asamoah explained that, promoting the growth of a
workplace was a collective responsibility and called for
effective partnership between employers and employees.
“Without unity and solidarity, we cannot achieve our aims
and aspirations,” he added.
He reminded members of the Union on the theme for the
up-coming Workers’ Day celebration: “Deepening Democracy in
Ghana - The Role of Organized Labour”, which he said was
important to help sustain the country’s path of democratic
governance.
Mr Asamoah said the TUC was developing a strategic plan to
help identify challenges and find solutions in the next
eight years.
He urged members to attend meetings regularly to help
address problems hindering the growth of the Union.
“The Union is our heritage and we have to fight to ensure
its growth and sustainability,” Mr Asamoah added.
GNA
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