Workers meeting open

Accra, Sept. 15, GNA - Government on Monday said the promotion of trade union pluralism was not an attempt to destroy the unity of organised labour.

Mr Yaw Barimah, Minister of Manpower Development and Employment, said government was aware of the independent role that trade unions played in the economic development and would, therefore, do nothing to disturb the institution.

The Minister said much as government had embraced trade union pluralism, organised labour should take the first step to nurture and encourage its growth by eliminating such misconception among its members.

Mr Barimah was speaking at the second ordinary congress and 10th anniversary celebration of the Democratic Organisation of African Workers Trade Union (DOAWTU) in Accra.

The five-day conference is on the theme: "Social Dialogue and Trade Union Unity of Action: Challenge for Africa," is being attended by 130 delegates and observers from Africa, Europe, United States and Asia.

When given Presidential assent, the new Labour Bill recently passed by Parliament would pave the way for labour pluralism in the country by breaking the monopoly so far enjoyed by the Trades Union Congress under the existing industrial relations Act that made it mandatory for all unions to congregate under the TUC.

Mr Barimah said while government encouraged diverse opinions from labour, it would, however, not permit anarchy and unhealthy rivalry in the name of "freedom of association."

"Trade Union pluralism does not mean Trade Union Antagonism! National centres must co-exist in the name of peace, progress and unity. I would, therefore, expect more cooperation between the TUC and the Ghana Federation of Labour, COSATU and CONSAWU of South Africa...," he said.

Mr Barimah urged union leaders to remove suspicion and misunderstanding between members and government by engaging in constructive dialogue all the time.

He stressed the need for unions to promote effective corporate governance at the workplace, saying this would lead to better productivity and improved conditions of service.

Mr Abraham Koomson, Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour lauded the passage of the new Labour Bill and expressed the hope that it would bring a peaceful co-existence between workers and government.

He called on trade unions and workers to collaborate in the fight against poverty, undemocratic governance and the proliferation of arms on the continent.

Mr Ferdinand Kikongi, President of DOAWTU, said through unity workers and their leaders could win the fight for equity and eliminate social injustice.

He said promoting workers rights was one way of encouraging growth in the economy.

There were solidarity messages from the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity and World Federation of Labour. 15 Sept. 03