The National Labour Commission (NLC) has initiated a dialogue with stakeholders in the education sector to foster a peaceful industrial relations environment, ensuring job sustainability, investment protection, and the promotion of industrial harmony to enhance job creation in Ghana.
As part of its medium-term strategy, the NLC has been addressing recurring issues that often lead to industrial disputes, analyzing trends over specific periods to identify sectors with the highest levels of unrest. The education sector has emerged as the most turbulent over the last four years, with frequent industrial actions ranging from strike threats to actual walkouts.
Key Issues Underlying Disputes
The NLC identified several recurring issues fueling disputes in the education sector:
– Non-payment or delayed payment of agreed allowances.
– Disagreements over entitlement to certain allowances.
– Poor or lack of communication between stakeholders.
– Misconceptions about rights to specific entitlements.
Leadership Remarks
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ofosu Asamoah, Executive Secretary of the NLC, emphasized the Commission’s commitment over the past 19 years to safeguarding the rights of both employers and employees. “The Commission seeks to identify and address recurring issues in each sector through education and sensitization to minimize disputes,” he said.
Hon. Asamoah noted that disputes in the education sector are predominantly tied to terms and conditions of service. The engagement program aims to encourage social partners to work collaboratively to promote understanding, effective negotiation, and constructive dialogue in the workplace.
“While strikes are recognized as a legitimate tool for workers to press their demands, they must be employed judiciously due to the adverse effects they have on institutions,” he stated.
A Call for Negotiation
Hon. Asamoah urged stakeholders to prioritize negotiation over confrontation in resolving disputes. “Promoting dialogue instead of confrontation is the way forward for addressing industrial issues effectively,” he concluded.
The NLC’s engagement with the education sector highlights its commitment to addressing the root causes of industrial disputes and fostering a climate of cooperation and mutual respect in Ghana’s workforce.
By Madjid Diallo | GhanaNewsOnline