Labour Unions’ effectiveness is limited by lack of proper structures – GFL

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) said the lack of proper structures for labour unions has affected its effectiveness, which has accounted for the current fragmented and distorted actions in the public domain retarding its planned galamsey strike which was later suspended.

Mr. Abraham Koomson, GFL Secretary General, who spoke with the media in Tema at the weekend, explained that the poor and lack of effective structures for labour unions were due to changes in labour laws.

He explained that the confusion stems from the absence of clear frameworks following the amendment of the Industrial Relations Act of 1965.

Mr. Koomson pointed out that the original Industrial Relations Act recognized the Trades Union Congress (TUC) as the sole representative of Ghanaian workers; however, complacency within the TUC led to the amendment of the Act, which was replaced by the Labour Act 651 in 2003.

“The issue we face today is that labour unions lack the proper structures to function effectively. The new law, Labour Act 651, did not clearly define the role or identity of organised labour after the TUC’s name was replaced,” Mr. Koomson explained.

The GFL Secretary General explained that the federation had taken the TUC to court to challenge its mandate to represent all workers in Ghana, as the current legal framework remains unclear.

Mr. Koomson, however, noted that consultations are ongoing among the leaders of various unions to establish and strengthen appropriate structures.

“These structures will operate from the district level, through the regions, and up to the national level to determine the way forward. Once these structures are in place, they will be adopted by the unions, with their activities regulated by a constitution to ensure effective performance,” he stated.

“Well-defined structures and better organization are essential for improving the effectiveness of labour unions in Ghana,” he said.