Employers advised against recycling of temporary workers

Tema, Sept 3, GNA - The Ghana Employers Association (GEA) has organized a two-day workshop on the Labour Act in Tema with a call on employers to desist from recycling temporary workers.

Nana Osei Bonsu, a Human Resource Consultant to the GEA, said employers re-cycle their employees when they terminate their contract after working with them for six months.

He said in a bid to avoid making the temporary workers permanent employees in accordance with the Labour Act, some employers would re-engage their services after terminating their contracts for two weeks or one month.

Nana Bonsu said such employers could face a law action if it could be proven by the employees that management were circumventing article 75 (1) of the Labour Act 2003 which states that "a temporary worker who is employed by the same employer for a continues period of six months and more shall be treated under this part as a permanent worker".

He said employers were required by the Act to pay their temporary employees' contribution to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) pension scheme, medical bills and other benefits.

Mr Alex Frimpong, Director of Industrial Relations and Administration of the GEA, said a strike is illegal when employees did not follow the procedure of negotiating, mediation and voluntary arbitration.

Mr Frimpong said a worker who participates in an illegal strike may have his or her services terminated by the employer without any notice for breach of contract of employment or may forfeit his or her pay in respect to the strike period. 03 Sept 08