Government and Employers laud TUC's role

Accra, Sept. 26, GNA - Government and the Ghana Employers Association (GEA) have lauded the Trades Union Congress (TUC) on the occasion of its 60th anniversary for being a collaborative partner in entrenching the culture of social dialogue in recent times. The two, who are the two major partners of the Tripartite Committee in the determination of minimum wage in the country, saluted that TUC, the third partner during a special grand musical concert and awards ceremony in Accra on Saturday.

Speaking on behalf of the government, Mr Joseph Adda, Minister of Manpower Youth and Employment, expressed satisfaction that organised labour in recent times had modernised its tactics on strike action. He said hitherto, strike used to be a first line of action with little regard to the due process of negotiations that did not help in the promotion of effective collaboration as partners.

Mr Adda also commended the TUC for its enterprising abilities and said the Government was prepared to welcome any proposal from it that would help to further expand the tentacles of venturing into businesses. Mrs Rose Kakari-Anang, Executive Director the GEA, said the Association's relationship with the TUC was relatively cordial and that the level of understanding had also been boosted.

"We found the TUC a body that is committed to social dialogue. A solid partnership is the only sure way of achieving productivity and improving incomes levels of workers,' she said.

Mr Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, Secretary-General of the TUC, paid tribute to all unionists, dead or alive, who have contribute in diverse ways that has brought the Union to its current state.

He said as it celebrates its 60th, there was the need for the TUC to extend trades unions coverage to the wider sections of the public and to support affiliate bodies to negotiate for better conditions of service for their workers.

Awards were presented to current and past trades unionists.