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No room for unwanted unionization - KEDA workers tell CBMWU of TUC

Twyford Sn Ceramics Limited Cover Workers at KEDA have rejected efforts by CBMWU of the TUC to introduce unionization

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 Source: peacefmonline.com

Workers at TWYFORD KEDA, a Chinese ceramics manufacturer in Ghana, have firmly rejected efforts by the Construction and Building Materials Workers Union (CBMWU) of the TUC to introduce unionization, calling it an unnecessary disruption to their well-established working environment.

Speaking to the media on January 20, 2025, employees from various departments expressed their contentment with their current working conditions and strong relationship with the company’s management and HR department.

They claimed CBMWU had sent unsolicited communications to all TWYFORD KEDA workers, including senior management, in December 2024, encouraging them to join the union.

The company’s management raised concerns about the unauthorized use of personal worker data, claiming the union violated the Data Protection Act.

KEDA has since demanded an explanation and the removal of the illegally obtained data. Despite this, the CBMWU continued their efforts to recruit workers, which the company sees as a serious breach of privacy and legal compliance.

Management presented evidence of financial transactions from union officials to a contract worker, alleging that union representatives used monetary incentives to influence employees.

This has caused disturbances in the engineering unit, where some temporary workers are involved in ongoing expansion projects.

While KEDA does not oppose individual employees’ rights to unionize, it insists that no official dealings will take place until the source of the illegal data acquisition is clarified and the personal information is destroyed.

The company employs over 4,100 workers, many of whom live in free dormitories provided by the company in Aboadze.

Some workers who spoke with the media praised KEDA for offering free lunch, accommodation, utilities, and salary increases.

Judith Aggrey, a finance specialist, noted that salary hikes and overtime opportunities were offered regularly.

Other workers, including engineers and HR staff, shared similar views, emphasizing the company’s compliance with labor laws and workers' satisfaction with their conditions.

Isaac Blay, an admin supervisor in charge of the company’s canteen, highlighted the efficiency of the company’s meal provision, and dismissed the need for a union, noting that the company already takes care of its workers’ needs.

TWYFORD KEDA also promotes cultural diversity, offering language training for employees to become translators between Ghanaian and Chinese workers.

Amina from the electrical department shared her experience, saying that those who become translators receive extra allowances.

The press team left the TWYFORD KEDA facility with the impression that workers are largely happy with their employment, but expressed concern that the union’s interference could potentially disrupt the company’s expansion plans, which might impact employment opportunities for local workers.

CBMWU executives have yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the allegations of data misuse and union activities.

Source: peacefmonline.com
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