The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour, Abraham Koomson, has called on the National Democratic Congress government to adopt a proactive approach to engaging organised labour. This approach aims to prevent frequent industrial disputes. According to Koomson, strike action remains a powerful tool for workers to press for their demands. However, many labour disputes can be prevented through early engagement, effective communication, and continuous dialogue with union leaders.
Speaking on Ahotor 92.3 FM's morning show programme, Adekyee Mu Nsem, Koomson emphasized that the government should not wait until workers are preparing to embark on strike before engaging organised labour. The government inherited significant challenges and should have engaged labour leaders early enough to explain its plans and timelines regarding issues affecting workers. Koomson's comments come as a timely reminder for the government to re-examine its engagement strategies with labour unions.
Koomson noted that issues such as promotions, examinations, allowances, and other conditions of service often have timelines and should be addressed well in advance to prevent them from escalating into industrial disputes. He explained that when the government communicates its plans clearly to union leaders, the leaders can, in turn, engage their members and help manage expectations. This proactive approach can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of strikes.
The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour likened the situation to a parent who makes promises to children but fails to explain when circumstances change. Workers, similarly, need timely communication when the government is unable to immediately fulfil particular commitments. Koomson stressed that the communication gap between the government and organised labour could create mistrust and eventually lead to strikes.
Koomson called for continuous and proactive engagement between the government and labour unions, emphasizing that dialogue should begin long before disagreements develop into industrial action. He urged the government to be proactive in engaging the leaders of the unions, rather than waiting for workers to begin agitating or going on strike. This approach can help address concerns and resolve industrial disputes before they escalate.
According to Koomson, the government's engagement with labour unions should be a continuous process. This process should involve explaining plans and timelines regarding issues affecting workers, as well as addressing concerns and resolving disputes in a timely manner. By doing so, the government can help prevent industrial disputes and promote a more harmonious relationship with labour unions.
The Ghana Federation of Labour's call for proactive engagement between the government and labour unions comes at a critical time. The government faces significant challenges, and its relationship with labour unions will be crucial in determining the success of its policies and programmes. By engaging labour unions early and continuously, the government can help prevent industrial disputes and promote a more stable and productive work environment.
Key points
- The government must engage labour unions proactively to prevent industrial disputes.
- Effective communication and continuous dialogue with union leaders can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of strikes.
- The government's engagement with labour unions should be a continuous process involving explanation of plans, addressing concerns, and resolving disputes in a timely manner.
