May day is historic reflection on struggles against exploitation of labour – GFL

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) on Friday asserted that May Day is a historic workers' occasion observed globally to reflect on the struggles against the exploitation of labour, including the sacrifices that led to the recognition of the eight-hour working day.

The GFL, an affiliate of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), asserted that the celebration also serves as a platform for workers' solidarity, reflection on the continuing challenges confronting labour, and a collective call on governments and employers to address workers' concerns.

“Unfortunately, recent developments regarding the 2026 May Day programme have not promoted the united front expected of Ghanaian workers,” a statement signed by Mr Abraham Koomson, GFL Secretary General, and copied to Modern Ghana News in Accra to commemorate the 2026 May Day stated.

The GFL expressed concern about the hijacking of the official events by the Ghana Trade Union Congress (TUC) and pushing other union leaderships to the background.

The statement reminded the government and various labour unions in the country that Ghana's labour relations framework has changed significantly; therefore, dealing exclusively with one union for the commemoration of May Day in the country is a violation of the law.

The GFL explained that under the Industrial Relations Act, 1965 (Act 299), even though the TUC occupied a dominant position within the labour movement, the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) introduced a plural labour regime which recognises multiple labour centres, independent unions, and workers' associations.

“In that context, May Day cannot properly be treated as the exclusive platform of any single labour centre. It must reflect the collective voice and ownership of organised labour,” the GFL stated.

The GFL, while saluting Ghanaian workers for enduring the harsh economic conditions of yesteryears and working hard under extreme bad conditions, says a new era has come: "Let us all work together to push the nation forward and transform the economy.”

In a recent development which led to the leadership of the GFL and the Forum for Public Sector Associations and Unions (FORUM) boycotting the official commemoration of the 2026 May Day celebration in Koforidua, Eastern Region, the GFL explained that TUC disregarded concerns and agreements on the programme outline.

The GFL explained that concerns had been raised regarding the programme for the 2026 May Day parade. These concerns were subsequently considered at a meeting of the three labour centres held at the GNAT Hall, where an agreed arrangement was reached.

According to GFL, the agreed arrangement provided, among others, that the Chairman of FORUM would deliver the welcome address and the TUC would deliver the principal May Day address.

It is, however, relevant to note that at a subsequent meeting of organised labour leadership held at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, the TUC leadership indicated that the arrangements agreed at the GNAT Hall had been rejected by the TUC Management Committee, also referred to as the Steering Committee.

This development effectively undermined the decisions reached and reinforced

the absence of a mutually sustained and collectively endorsed programme for the 2026 May Day celebration.

Under these circumstances, the leadership of the GFL, in consultation with its counterparts, took a considered decision not to participate at the leadership level in the May Day ceremony as presently structured.

“This decision is guided by principle and by the need to protect the collective ownership, inclusiveness, and dignity of organised labour within Ghana's current plural labour relations framework,” the GFL statement stated.

GFL said it, however, encouraged its members who wished to attend the parade to do so peacefully and in solidarity with fellow workers.

“Members are further encouraged to uphold discipline, defend unity within the labour movement, and continue to call for accountable, inclusive, and collective leadership in the face of the numerous economic challenges confronting Ghanaian workers.

“At a time when workers face mounting economic pressures, unity within organised labour is not optional; it is essential. May Day must remain a platform for all workers, reflecting unity, shared responsibility, and collective voice,” the GFL statement states.