Tripartite C'ttee to ensure successful operation of Labour Act

Elmina C/R, April 17, GNA - The National Tripartite Committee (NTC) on Friday pledged to ensure the realisation of the provision of the Labour Act 2003, Act 651.

The pledge was contained in a communiqu=E9 issued at the end of a three-day workshop on the Act held at Elmina under the theme: "Promoting social dialogue through partnership."

The communiqu=E9 said: "Recognising the fact that Act 651 is an important social and labour legislation that is to regulate industrial relation practice in the country, the workshop pledges the social partners' commitment to ensure the realisation of the provision embodied in the Act."

It noted that the Act provided for the protection of the interest of the vulnerable classes of workers, especially, casual and temporary workers and persons with disabilities.

"The Act is a blend of the letter and spirit of the 1992 constitution with International Labour Organisation Convention and enhances democratisation at the workplace by protecting the right of both employers and workers."

The communiqu=E9 said the Act offers a challenging opportunity for workers and employers to chart a new course towards higher productivity and socio-economic development. It, therefore, urged the social partners to discard the antagonistic vocabulary that had developed over the years for a more conciliatory language.

"The test and the value of the new Act can be determined by how it is practised at the workplace," it said, noting, "this depends largely on compromise and partnership that the constituent members of the Tripartite Committee are prepared to make."

The workshop brought together representatives from the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana Employers Association, Government and the Media. It was sponsored by USAID.