By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, May 14, GNA- The National Labour Commission (NLC) is facing significant challenges in its efforts to promote harmonious labor relations in Ghana.
Despite its crucial role in stabilizing the country by preventing strikes and promoting labor peace, the commission is grappling with funding constraints, poor office accommodation, and limited staff benefits.
These challenges came to bare on Wednesday during a familarisation visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions to the Commission.
Addressing members of the Committee, Dr Bernice Anowa Welbeck, the Acting Executive Secretary NLC, said, the Commission’s budget cuts had affected its access to funds, hindering its ability to resolve labor disputes effectively.
“We don’t even have money to travel to Geneva for ILA,” she said.
Further, she cited poor office accommodation where inadequate office space for Commission members and staff was affecting their work and well-being.
“Limited staff benefits. Staff members receive limited benefits, and their living conditions are not ideal,” she added.
Justice Kwabena Asuman-Adu, the Chairman of the Commission, said the NLC faced difficulty enforcing compliance with labor laws and regulations, partly due to existing regulations being insufficient to address all labor-related issues.
“Despite these challenges, the NLC has achieved significant successes, including awarding over 200 million cedis to beneficiaries and resolving labor disputes through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration,” he said.
Mr Asuman-Adu urged the government to prioritize funding and support for labor agencies to address unemployment and promote national stability.
To improve the Commission’s effectiveness, members of the Committee advocated for enhancements to the Legislative Instrument (LI) governing the NLC’s operations.
That, the Committee mentioned strengthening enforcement powers to grant the NLC more authority to enforce labor laws and regulations, updating regulations to revise existing regulations to address emerging labor issues and challenges and streamlining court processes to explore ways to reduce the need for High Court involvement in labor disputes.
“How are they going to solve labour issues? They are not giving them advocates, logistics, or funds to work,” Mr Joseph Appiah Boateng, the Chairman of the Committee said.
He said with adequate support and resources, the Commission could more effectively fulfill its mandate and promote harmonious labor relations in Ghana.
GNA
BM