General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU), Mr. Solomon Kotei
General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU), Mr. Solomon Kotei says it is becoming more difficult for organised labour to negotiate on behalf of workers because of the current economic hardship and challenges confronting employers.
Mr. Solomon Kotei said although it is the dream of every worker to be secured, the challenges companies and businesses are facing makes it difficult for employees to have their jobs secured.
Speaking exclusively to Nyankonton Mu Nsem as part of activities marking the workers day celebration, Mr. Kotei said the cost of doing business in Ghana is collapsing many businesses with several others planning to fold up their activities.
He revealed, organised labour is having serious challenges negotiating on behalf of union members especially when it comes to remuneration and condition of service; because the companies are not making much profit to improve upon the conditions of service for it members.
However, he said it will be prudent for every worker to join a recognised labour union so that these unions can represent their interest.
He urged Ghanaian workers to break the silence of unfair treatment by their employers to expose them and get them punished by law if the need be.
He explained, Ghanaian workers are not doing employers favours hence they should be treated fairly.
Mr. Solomon Kotei assured Ghanaian workers that organised labour will continue to work in their interest especially those who are members of a recognised labour union.
In a related development, some Ghanaian workers who spoke with Nyankonton Mu Nsem expressed a number of concerns they are facing; some of which includes, poor remuneration, salary delays, and insecurity among others.
Some of them said due to the scarce nature of jobs, employers are using that as an advantage to cheat employees. They, therefore, called on government to ensure that it creates the needed environment to help businesses thrive to curb the rate of unemployment in the country which some suggested are as a result of collapse of existing businesses.
