By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Oct 08, GNA – The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has on the occasion of World Day of Decent Work urged the Government and employers to pay attention to the dignity and well-being of workers.
This, the TUC said would create a Ghanaian society where work elevates their collective conscience for national development.
October 7, each year is observed as the World Day for Decent Work.
This year it is being celebrated on the theme ”For democracy that delivers decent work”.
Mr Joshua Ansah, the Secretary-General in a statement to mark this year’s World Day of Decent Work, said on this day, the TUC and its affiliates call on its social partners – government and employers to work with unions to ensure that economic growth creates employment for the many young Ghanaians with good education who continue to struggle for jobs that match their skills.
“We encourage businesses to adopt fair labour practices and provide safe working conditions,” the statement said.
“That is one of the surest ways by which we can increase productivity in Ghana.”
It urged workers and employers to dedicate themselves to realizing the elements and principles inherent in the Decent Work Framework by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). “We invite, Government, Employers and all Ghanaians to join our community of workers in celebrating this day because more than ever, decent work is crucial for Ghana’s future.”
The Day is dedicated by the United Nations to commemorate Decent Work across the world.
The TUC said decent work encompasses opportunities for work that was productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families.
It said the Day provides better prospects for personal development and social integration and ensures equality of opportunity and treatment for all women and men.
“This is the promise of Decent Work.
As we commemorate this, the TUC and its affiliates affirm our commitment to promoting decent work principles work across the Ghanaian economy,” the TUC stated.
“We commit to the fight for fair incomes, decent pensions, safe and healthy working environments, improved working conditions and fair labour practices.”
The statement said above all, the TUC and its affiliates would continue to push for economic and social policies that ensure that men and women with the requisite capacity including skills and who desire to work could access work that enables them and their families to escape poverty.
It noted that decent work was the medium through which societies transmit the gains of economic growth into improvement in the living conditions of their peoples.
Adding that it was how economies around the world have reduced poverty on a sustainable basis.
The statement said decent work was, therefore, central to poverty reduction and the attainment of equitable, inclusive and sustainable development.
It said while employment creation was at the centre of decent work, the concept is much more than mere provision of employment.
The statement said decent work was also fundamentally about respect, equality, fairness, safety and the opportunity for employers and employees to dialogue and flourish together.
It said decent work was more than fair or better wages; stating that it encompasses respect for rights including freedom of association and collective bargaining.
The statement said decent work was also about opportunity for growth and development and protection of the vulnerable segments of societies.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade