TUC calls for urgent review of Labour Act to strengthen workers’ rights

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Ghana has urged for an urgent review of the country's Labour Act to bolster workers' rights, addressing a range of issues such as low wages, insufficient pension benefits, escalating living costs, and precarious employment conditions. Speaking to the press on Thursday, September 10, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah highlighted that low pay remains a pressing concern, with many households' wages struggling to keep pace with the rising costs of essentials like food, rent, transportation, utilities, education, and healthcare.

"Low pay is one of the most urgent concerns confronting workers," Mr. Ansah emphasized. He also pointed out that pension benefits are often too meager to cover basic needs, especially healthcare, for many retirees. "A pension should protect dignity in old age. Yet, many retirees receive benefits that are too low to meet basic needs, particularly medical care," he noted.

The TUC further expressed alarm over the increasing living expenses, which diminish the real value of pensions, and the inadequate pension growth rate for workers in the informal sector. Additionally, Ansah criticized the unfair treatment of workers under what he termed "short-term contracts," alleging that these arrangements often deny them equal treatment, job security, social security, and union representation.

He argued that the law should consider the true nature of their employment relationships rather than just the contract's stipulations. The TUC advocates for a thorough review of the Labour Act of 2003 (Act 651), advocating for a contemporary law that adapts to evolving work forms, fortifies labor institutions, and promotes decent work.

The Congress thus called for an immediate and comprehensive review of Ghana's labor laws to ensure they effectively safeguard workers, tackle emerging employment structures, enhance social protection, and foster decent work conditions.