Workers advised to criticize bad economic policies of Govt

Koforidua, Feb. 27, GNA- The Secretary General of Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Mr Abraham Koomson, has advised workers, irrespective of their political affiliations, not to hesitate to criticize bad economic policies of governments.

Mr Koomson was speaking at the formal opening of a two-day seminar for National Executive Committee members of affiliate organisations of the GFL at Koforidua on Thursday.

The seminar, attended by 40 participants had the theme "Empowering GFL for the Promotion and Development of Trade Union Democracy". He pointed out that "as a third world country, our governments lack the political will to pursue economic policies which would enhance the steady growth of the economy and ensure the survival of industries for us to keep jobs."

Mr Koomson cited the experience of workers in the textile, lotto, poultry and the timber industries which he said have collapsed due to anti-worker policies being pursued by governments.

He said the country had reached a stage when workers organisation must turn their attention to collective fight to save vulnerable establishments from total collapse.

The Deputy General Secretary of GFL, Mr Kofi Frempong, said the GFL was the first Trades Union, which came up with the idea of organizing workers in the informal sector and would continue to pursue that agenda.

He appealed to the affiliate unions to help the GFL to grow by inviting the Federation to participate in its activities. Among the affiliate unions that were represented at the seminar included National Lotto Receivers Union, Ghana Environmental Health Officers Association, Food and Allied Workers Union, Self Employed Women's Union, Ghana Hairdressers Association of Ghana and Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Union.