Employers have been called upon not to hide behind the challenging situations in the country to pursue low-standard forms of employment which do not guarantee jobs and social protection for workers.
This is contained in a statement by the Industrial and Commercial Union (ICU-Ghana) to mark World Day for Decent Work which falls today, October 7, 2022.
The day is seized to draw the attention of stakeholders in the employment sector to ensure the future financial and job security of workers amongst others.
The ICU-Ghana urges social partners in the employment sector to stop employers promoting casual and contract work.
The statement signed by the Union, Secretary Morgan Ayawine condemned the practice where some workers are blatantly violating labour laws by outsourcing permanent employees only to re-engage them as casuals or contract workers through employment agencies.
As a result, such workers receive reduced wages and salaries which undermine their social insurance like SSNIT with serious repercussions for their future financial security.
While the ICU-Ghana acknowledges that the country’s labour law allows for casual and contract work for seasonal jobs, it points out that the laws frown upon such engagements going beyond 6 months.
The Union, therefore, calls on relevant authorities particularly the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to deal with employees whose actions are undermining fairness and quality in the country’s employment structure.
ICU-Ghana noted that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted heavily on several, workers and there’s a need for employers to stop pursuing non-standard forms of employment which would make World Day for Decent Work matters worse for workers.
The statement said, ICU- Ghana is one of the single largest trade unions in the country and would not sit unconcerned for any employer to work against efforts at promoting the decent work agenda.
