Year report - FNV Mondiaal FNV Mondiaal – Annual Report 2011 Ghana Year report - FNV Mondiaal...

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FNV Mondiaal – Annual Report 2011 Ghana

Year report - FNV Mondiaal

Indicators of Decent Work, Trade Union Strengthening and sustainability

Monitoring Report 2011

Country: Ghana Date: 2011

DW1 DW2 DW3 DW4 DW5 DW6 DW7 DW8 TUS

X X X X X

(Indicate which DW objective is applicable)

This report should be filled in from a country perspective; only those DW objectives will be addressed that are indicated in the country grid (see table above).

Names of the FNV Partner organizations active in country (please include names of GUF affiliates involved as well) over the report year.

Labour NGO’s:

Central:

Trade union (mention also GUF to which affiliated):

Membership based organizations:

Other (network, university, NGO):

Ghana Trades Union Congress

Timber and Woodworkers’ Union (TWU) affiliated to Building and Woodworkers International (BWI) ;

StreetNet African Labour Research Network (ALRN) (currently hosted by Ghana TUC)

Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU) affiliated to International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mines and General Workers’ Union (ICEM)

General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU)

The Health Services Workers Union (HSWU) affiliated to Public Services International (PSI0

Construction and Building Materials Workers Union (CBMWU) affiliated to BWI

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Examples of effects Decent work objectives 1 to 5,7 Outcome In cases where the output of partners of FNV had effects on the government authorities or companies targeted over the past year, please describe these. If possible at least 3. In case there are no examples of effects you can skip this part.

Reactions of authorities (government/parliament/other formal national institutions) DW objective Rights to organise and to bargain collectively Name of the authorities involved Fair Wages and Salaries Commission Summarise the example of the reaction of this authority and the issues that are addressed

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission submitted to the Health Services Workers Union the new scores and placements of pay levels after the job re-evaluation for approval. The re-evaluation was to restore anomalies noted in the job evaluation exercise previously undertaken for the salary grades. Subsequently, all HSWU members have been migrated onto the Single Spine Salary Structure by the FWSC

Qualify the effects as (tick where appropriate): Indicate the type of effects: -approval of new labour legislation -implementation of approved labour legislation -changes in existing labour legislation -other (explain):

No. of people who will benefit from or are affected by this

Total 16,000

Men Women

Describe if and how women will particularly benefit from this or will be affected

Women union members would benefit from the new pay structure.

Describe if and how persons in the informal sector will particularly benefit from this or will be affected

The Single Spine Salary Structure is limited to government workers and therefore does not have direct benefit for informal sector workers

Which output (as described under output here or in former reports) of the FNV partners has contributed to this example of reaction by authority.

Negotiations on placement of pay levels, market premiums and base pay and final endorsement of the salary scales allowed for the migration of health workers onto the new salary structure

Can you specifically describe how the pressure or initiatives exercised through activities by FNV partners has influenced the behaviour of the authorities in this regard

The Health Services Workers Union submitted a petition to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) demanding for fair evaluation of their jobs. Their petition was accepted and acted upon by the FWSC. Subsequent to that the HSWU together with other public services union negotiated for base pay and relativities which pave way for the migration of its members onto the single spine salary structure

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Reactions of companies/employers

DW objective Rights to organise and bargain collectively Name of company/ employer Golden Exotic Ltd Describe the measures taken by the companies:

The management of Golden Exotic Ltd agreed to pay workers for 27 working days instead of the 21.7 working days

Type of company: Multinational

Y

National Y NLocal Y NSector Horticultural Number of direct fixed (not outsourced) employees that benefit

1500

Number of outsourced and temporary employees that benefit

% women employees Which output (as described under output here or in former reports) of the FNV partners has contributed to this example of reaction by the company?

Strike action by workers of the company and further negotiation with the union

Can you specifically describe the influence of the pressure or other initiatives exercised by the FNV partners in this regard

The GAWU spearheaded a strike action, made complaint to the National Labour Commission and subsequently negotiated with the company through its Joint Standing Negotiation Committee.

Additional comments: (For additional tables on reactions companies copy/paste the above table)

Output If any, describe at least 3 examples of significant actions by partner organizations as a result from projects that have been supported by FNV over the past year? Please use the format below and indicate clearly under which DW-objective you classify each example. (For orientation see annex for country grid and description of the DW objectives).

Trade union action/ actions of FNV partner organisations (For additional tables on actions copy/paste the above table)

DW objective Social Security Name of partner organisation Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) Describe the action in a few words

The GMWU organised a voluntary counselling and testing workshop on HIV/AIDS for workers of the Sankofa Mines at Prestea in the Western region

What was the aim of the action Sector Type of action (tick where appropriate): - strike

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- demonstration -recollection of signatures -writing letters to politicians -other: Sensitisation workshop When was the action carried out Month 20 Dec Year 2011 Which other organisation participated in the action ?

Sankofa Mines, Prestea

Number of people involved (distinguish between men and women)

Total 269

Men 202

Women 67

Describe the beneficiaries (in terms of gender, ethnic origin, age, etc.)

Beneficiaries of the programme were mine workers and their spouses

What makes you or the FNV partners say the action has been successful?

A significant number of the participants voluntarily submitted themselves for testing for HIV/AIDS.

Can you describe how the support of FNV was related to this action

FNV provided funds for the programme. The funds was used to procure the medical equipments and pay personnel as well as provide meals for participants at the Workshop

Additional comments:

DW objective Right to organise and bargain collectively Name of partner organisation Ghana TUC Describe the action in a few words

A unionisation campaign by the young workers

What was the aim of the action To project unions to the public and the youth in particular Sector Type of action (tick where appropriate): - strike - demonstration -recollection of signatures -writing letters to politicians -other: Campaign and forum When was the action carried out Month 29 April Year 2011 Which other organisation participated in the action ?

Young workers from affiliates unions of TUC, Associate informal sector associations and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT)


Total 55

Men Women


Participants were young workers, both men and women. The general public and in particular young non-unionised workers were the targets of the campaign


Participants expressed high enthusiasm about the programme and appealed to their unions to institute forums for more campaigns

Can you describe how the Funds from FNV was used t procure the campaign materials;

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support of FNV was related to this action

provide venue, equipments and other required resources for the forum.


DW objective Right to organise and bargain collectively Name of partner organisation Timber and Woodworkers Union (TWU)-affiliate of BWI Describe the action in a few words

Organising and recruitment meeting

What was the aim of the action To unionised new members Sector Type of action (tick where appropriate): - strike - demonstration -recollection of signatures -writing letters to politicians -other: Meeting When was the action carried out Month 28 Dec Year 2011 Which other organisation participated in the action?

Bawuanum Plantation and Tourism Site


Total 50

Men 41

Women 9


Beneficiaries were mainly men workers in the forestry sub-sector


50 workers joined the union


Funds from FNV were used to provide logistics for the meeting.

Additional comments: Additional information on ILO core labour standards;

Number of complaints filed on violation on ILO convention

Clause that has violated (mention number an description)

Describe complaint

ILO Convention 158 –Termination of Employment Convention , 1982, Article 4

Two unionised workers of the Ghana Oil Production Development Company were sacked without reason. The workers were however reinstated after one month following pressure from GAWU and its local union to strike.

ILO Convention 158 –Termination of A branch chairman of the National Health

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Employment Convention, 1982, Article 5c Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Workers Union of the UNICOF of TUC was sacked for commenting on the challenges the scheme was facing as a result of political interference to a radio station

ILO Convention 158-Termination of Employment The management of the African Underground Mining Services terminated the appointment of a Mine Captain citing a case of assault against him. The GMWU intervened and Mine Captain was reinstated. However, the Captain was again dismissed after his probation citing non-performance during probation as reason. The GMWU has registered its protest on the basis of predetermined termination.

The next questions only apply for those countries where we strive for results under DW 6 (i.e. only applicable for Peru, Mexico, Indonesia, Palestine, Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria) Decent work objective 6a. employment – supply of work (DW 6a)

Outcome (National) Policies and Implementation of legislation by authorities (government/parliament/other formal national institutions)

Can you give one or more examples of policy changes put into effect by (national or local) authorities in favour of outsourced workers, over the past year?

N

Describe the most important examples:

<use format as described under Reactions of authorities (government/parliament/other formal national institutions)>

Reactions of companies or employers Can you give one or more examples of the

application of a policy by companies/employers, following legislation to limit casualisation and outsourcing, during the last 4 years?

Y

Describe the most important examples: <use format as described under reactions of companies/employers>

Output Actions by Trade unions/ membership based organisations/ Labour NGO’s

Can you give one or more examples of actions by partner organisations paying special attention to the issue of employment and supply of work, over the past year?

Y

Describe the most important examples: <use format trade union action/actions by FNV partner organisations>

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DW objective Employment (DW6a) Name of company/ employer General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) Describe the measures taken by the companies:

The Ghana Oil Palm Development company made redundant some of its permanent workers (who were members of GAWU) and subsequently recalled them as casual workers. Some of the workers were again reinstated as into their permanent positions.


Y N

National Y NLocal Y Sector Agriculture Number of direct fixed (not outsourced) employees that benefit


% women employees Which output (as described under output here or in former reports) of the FNV partners has contributed to this example of reaction by the company?

The GAWU brought pressure the company to negotiate for the reinstatement of the affected workers


The GAWU using its Joint Standing Committee negotiated for the workers to be reinstated into their permanent positions. It further ensured through the negotiation that strategic positions in the company are filled with permanent workers.


DW objective Employment (DW6a) Name of partner organisation General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) Describe the action in a few words

Training on non-farm economic activities

What was the aim of the action To provide farmers alternative livelihood and additional income

Sector Informal Type of action (tick where appropriate): - strike - demonstration -recollection of signatures -writing letters to politicians -other: Training workshop When was the action carried out Month 19-20 Oct Year 2011 Which other organisation participated in the action ?

Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Number of people involved (distinguish between men and

Total 1323

Men 605

Women 718

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women) Describe the beneficiaries (in terms of gender, ethnic origin, age, etc.)

Farmers


Participants have initiated non-farm economic activities and demonstrate high expectations.


The training workshop was funded by FNV. FNV support also facilitated policy engagement with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for increased agricultural extension services to the farmers.

Additional comments: Decent work objective 6b. Employment – Quality of work (DW6b)

Outcome (National )Policies and Implementation of legislation by authorities (government/parliament/other formal national institutions)

Can you give or more examples of activities geared to policy development and/or implementation of policy by (national or local) authorities in the field of quality of work (improved labour conditions, better health and safety), over the past year?

YES



Reactions of

companies/employers Can you give one or more examples of implementation of legislation by companies/employers to improve quality of work (improved labour conditions, better health and safety) as a result form pressure by partner organisations, over the past year?

YES

Describe the most important examples

<use format as described under reactions of companies/employers>

Output Actions by Trade unions/membership based organisations/labour NGO’s

Can you give examples of unions or other type of organisations that work with FNV (directly or via GUFs) with actions, knowledge and capacity to deliver awareness-raising and information campaigns to increase quality of work.

YES

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Describe the most important examples: <use format trade union action/actions by FNV partner organisations>

DW objective Employment-quality of work Name of the authorities involved Government of Ghana-Ministry of Employment and Social

Welfare Summarise the example of the reaction of this authority and the issues that are addressed

Ratification of ILO Conventions 184 on Health and Safety in Agriculture (2001); 138 Minimum Age Convention (1973) and 144 Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) (1976

Qualify the effects as (tick where appropriate): Indicate the type of effects: -approval of new labour legislation -implementation of approved labour legislation -changes in existing labour legislation -other (explain):

No. of people who will benefit from or are affected by this

Total

Men Women

Describe if and how women will particularly benefit from this or will be affected

Women workers would benefit from the implementation of these conventions

Describe if and how persons in the informal sector will particularly benefit from this or will be affected

The informal sector workers as workers are expected to benefit from the implementation of these Conventions. However, given limited application of labour standards in the sector, such expectation is often times not realised.

Which output (as described under output here or in former reports) of the FNV partners has contributed to this example of reaction by authority.

Lobbying, advocacy and campaign for the ratification of the Conventions

Can you specifically describe how the pressure or initiatives exercised through activities by FNV partners has influenced the behaviour of the authorities in this regard

The campaigns and advocacy activities have been ongoing and cannot be specification be related to a specific activity. However, the unions recognised the support of international solidarity organisations like the FNV in this endeavour


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DW objective Employment-quality of work Name of company/ employer Describe the measures taken by the companies:

The Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC) upgraded its workplace clinic into a hospital and strengthened health and safety committees at the workplace


N

National NLocal Y Sector Agro-processing Number of direct fixed (not outsourced) employees that benefit

300


Over 1000

% women employees Unknown Which output (as described under output here or in former reports) of the FNV partners has contributed to this example of reaction by the company?

The GAWU following the ratification of the ILO Convention 184 –Safety and Health in Agriculture- advocated for high health and safety standards at the workplace in compliance with the Convention


The GAWU negotiated for the inclusion of health and safety clauses into the CBA and monitored its compliance through the upgrading of the health facility and health and safety procedures at the workplace.


DW objective Employment –quality of work (DW6b) Name of partner organisation Capacity Building Workshop Describe the action in a few words

The GAWU organised a three day workshop to train farmers on issues relating to production of common crops , post-harvest losses and occupational, health, safety and environment issues in their field of work.

What was the aim of the action To improve farmer’s crop yield and promote good health and safety practices.

Sector Type of action (tick where appropriate): - strike - demonstration -recollection of signatures -writing letters to politicians -other: Training When was the action carried out Month 9-10 Feb Year 2011 Which other organisation participated in the action ?

Number of people involved Total Men Women

11


(distinguish between men and women)

31 26 5


Beneficiaries of the training were farmers and mainly men.


Beneficiary farmers exhibit good health and safety practices on farms.


FNV provided financial support for the training

Additional comments: Decent work objective 6c. Employment – Labour relations (DW6c)

Outcome National Policies and Implementation of legislation by authorities (government/parliament/other formal national institutions)

Can you give one or more examples of activities by national government, geared to policy development and/or implementation of policy at the level of labour relations (labour contracts in accordance with national legislation and regulations and the ILO fundamental norms. Legal regulations on outsourcing and subcontracting), over the past year?

NO



Describe the most important examples: <format national legislation/policies>

Reactions of companies/employers

Can you give one or more examples of implementation of measures by companies/employers to improve labour contracts in accordance with national legislation and regulations and the ILO fundamental norms, who promote better conditions in outsourcing and subcontracting as a result form pressure by partner organisations, over the last year?

NO


<use format as described under reactions

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of companies/employers>

Output Actions by Trade unions/membership based organisations/ Labour NGO’s

Number of FNV partner organisations with examples of effective actions that draw attentions to the importance of legal protection, and the negative aspects of flexibilization?

NO

<use format trade union action/actions by FNV partner organisations>

The next question is additional for those countries where we strive for results under DW 7

(i.e. India, Indonesia, Ghana, Zimbabwe)

DW objective Social security Name of partner organisation Ghana Trades Union Congress Describe the action in a few words

The informal Sector Desk of Ghana TUC organised a two day sensitization workshop for its informal sector members in Accra on the third tier of the National Pensions Scheme

What was the aim of the action To create awareness on the existence of the scheme to facilitate enrolment of the workers

Sector Informal sector Type of action (tick where appropriate): - strike - demonstration -recollection of signatures -writing letters to politicians -other: Training workshop When was the action carried out Month 16-17 Feb Year 2011 Which other organisation participated in the action ?

SSNIT Informal Sector Fund


Total 44

Men 21

Women 23


Beneficiaries were men and women informal sector workers


Some beneficiary applied to join the scheme during the workshop. The scheme reports a total of 3083 new members during the first half of 2011 from the Greater Accra area


The project was supported by LO/FTF Council Denmark.


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DW objective Social security Name of partner organisation Ghana Trades Union Congress Describe the action in a few words

The informal Sector Desk of Ghana TUC organised a float through some principal streets of Accra (mainly Makola, Agbogbloshie and Kaneshie) to campaign on the SSNIT Informal Sector Scheme

What was the aim of the action To create awareness on the existence of the scheme to facilitate enrolment of the workers

Sector Informal sector Type of action (tick where appropriate): - strike - demonstration -recollection of signatures -writing letters to politicians -other: Float When was the action carried out Month 20 July Year 2011 Which other organisation participated in the action?

SSNIT Informal Sector Fund , Informal Sector Associates of the TUC


Total

Men

Women


The float was witnessed by the public


The scheme registered a total of 2433 new members in the Greater Accra during the 2nd half of 2011


The project was supported by LO/FTF Council Denmark.

Additional comments: So apart from examples given according to the first mentioned format (on page 1 to 4), please mention also if there are any examples according to the format below

Outcome Collective Bargaining Agreements

Can you give one or more examples of collective agreements which cover social security, of the past year?

Y

Describe the most important examples according to the variables below:

Recognition and respect for persons living with HIV /AID

CBA between Ahmadiyya Muslim Ghana LTd and the HSWU

Name of CBA

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The Ahmadiyya Ghana Ltd and the Health Services Workers Union

Partners involved in bargaining

Company Level (company, sectoral, general)

Health Sector

About 200 Number of workers covered

The acceptance of an HIV/AIDS clause into the CBA

Major achievements in the CBA (success)

Oct 2011 Year agreed

Additional comments: The clause is meant to promote the respect for the rights and dignity of persons living with HIV/AIDS. This is critical start to fight stigmatization

The next questions only apply for those countries where we strive for results under DW 8 (only applicable for Colombia, Peru, India, Ghana, Brazil, Guatemala, Bangladesh, Nepal, Serbia, Kosovo and Nigeria). Outcome

Social Dialogue Can you give one or more examples of social dialogue (that are both effective and highly regarded by unions) with governments and/or companies/employers (per type) involving FNV partner organizations, over the past year?1

Name of structure for dialogue National Tripartite Committee

Actors involved Representatives of government, employers and organised labour

Division of actors in percentages The Ghana TUC is a member of a five member representatives of organised labour on the National Tripartite Committee. The Ghana TUC as the largest trade union centre leads the representatives from organised labour in negotiating the National Daily Minimum in the negotiation

Agreed objective(s) of the social dialogue To set the 2011 Daily Minimum wage

Themes discussed 2011 National Minimum Wage

1 This has been formulated as an outcome in our result chain as stated in 4year FNV Mondiaal strategy plan

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Year in which social dialogue was started 2011

Describe how the social dialogue is organised

Representatives of government, organised labour and employers association hold meetings to negotiate on appropriate daily value of labour. The negotiation takes into account living conditions and the ability of employers to pay among others.

Frequency of meeting

Products and results of the dialogue this year The Committee concluded its meetings on 14th February 2011 with a 20 % increase in the Daily Minimum wage from GH¢3.11 in 2010 to GH¢3.73 for 2011.

Problems


(for additional tables on structures for social dialogue copy/paste the above table)

Name of structure for dialogue Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee (PSJSNC)

Actors involved Representatives of government (Fair Wages and Salaries Commission) and organised labour

Division of actors in percentages 1. Government - 10 representatives from FWSC

2. Organised labour - One (1) member each from all the Unions/Associations relevant to the implementation of the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP).(These included Ghana TUC and its 8 affiliates, the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) and 8 unions/associations not affiliated to the TUC nor GFL

Agreed objective(s) of the social dialogue To set the 2011 daily base pay and pay-point relativity

Themes discussed 2011 Base pay and pay point relativity in the public sector



Representatives of government and organised labour hold meetings to negotiate on appropriate daily value of labour for public sector workers. The negotiation takes into

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account living conditions and the ability of government to pay among others.

Frequency of meeting Meetings are held every year to review base pay. The number of meetings held in a year is determined by the level of agreement/disagreement among the parties. In 2011, meetings were held on May 22 and June 7 and August 8.

Products and results of the dialogue this year On August 8 2011, the committee reached an agreement on a daily base pay of GH¢4.10 and pay-point relativity of 1.7 %. This represented 20 % increase over the 2010 daily base pay of GH¢3.42 .The Committee also negotiated for payment of outstanding arrears for public sector workers on the single spine salary structure

Problems


Name of structure for dialogue Standing Joint Negotiating Committee

Actors involved Management of Benso Oil Palm Plantation and Twifo Oil Palm Plantation on one hand ;and the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU)

Division of actors in percentages 12 Representatives from the two companies and 9 union representatives from GAWU

Agreed objective(s) of the social dialogue To review workers wages

Themes discussed Annual wage increase



Management and union representatives negotiate for appropriate increase in wage for workers taking into account changes in the standard of living (e.g. inflation) over the last year and also the companies’ ability to pay.

Frequency of meeting Four (4)

Products and results of the dialogue this year An annual wage increase of 16.1 % was agreed for the year 2011

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Problems


Democratic Processes2 Can you give one or more examples of improving democratic processes with the involvement of partner unions.

Name of structure that promotes the process Quadrennial Delegate Conference

Actors involved Timber and Woodworkers Union (TWU) and Ghana Mine Workers Union

Objective Elect leadership for a four year term

Review the union’s constitution and develop policies for the next four years

Management to render accounts for the last four years of the union’s activities to the delegates.

Results The Quadrennial Delegate Conference of the TWU was held from 2-4 August 2011 at the University of Cape Coast while the GMWU held its conference from 22-26 August at the Eusbett Hotel, Sunyani. The conferences elected leadership of the unions for the next four years, reviewed its constitution and reviewed/ adopted policies to ensure effective service delivery to their members

Problems

Year in which process was started 2011


(for additional tables on structures for democratic processes copy paste the above table)

Name of structure that promotes the process Consultation on Affirmative Action Bill

Actors involved Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, Ghana TUC (Gender Desk) and other civil society and government institutions

Objective To gather inputs into a bill on Affirmative Action. The bill aims to ensure equity and

2 idem

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equality in decision making in Ghana.

Results Inputs were gathered from the participants for the consideration by the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs. Consultation is still ongoing.

Problems

Year in which process was started 2011


Output3

Active involvement of partner organizations in Social Dialogue over the past year

Name of partner

Name of social dialogue structure partner is involved in

What is the reason for the partner to take part in this

Contribution of partner within the social dialogue structure over the past year

Do employers take part in this structure as result from pressure from the partners organisations?

Ghana TUC

National Tripartite Committee

To determine a daily minimum wage below which no worker should be paid in Ghana

The Ghana TUC negotiated with government and employers to set the daily national minimum wage in 2011

No. The National Tripartite Committee is well established structure that enjoys the voluntary cooperation of all three partners- government, employers and organised labour

GAWU, TWU,HSU

Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee (PSJSNC)

To negotiate for public sector base pay and relativities

The PSJSNC negotiated with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (representing Government as an employer) on public sector base pay and pay-point relativities

No, the Government of Ghana represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission participates in this process in accordance with the Labour laws of the country.

3 Idem as 2

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The next questions is additional for those countries where we strive for results under Organisational

Strengthening of Trade Unions Successful and effective unions or membership based organisations Outcome Representation Percentage of workers organised i.e. members of a trade union in the country

35.9 % (Ghana Statistical Services, 2008)

Comments The Ghana Living Standard Surveys (GLSS) IV and V shows a declining trend in trade union density in Ghana. The GLSS V showed that workplaces that have the presence of trade unions reduced from 51 % in 1998/99 to 35.9% in 2005/2006

Negotiation capacity

Number of workers under collective bargaining agreement

Unknown

Comments The total number of workers under collective bargaining remains unknown. This is due to trade union plurality and lack of common database

Democracy and transparency

Describe an example of a union or central that has implemented innovations in terms of democracy and transparency

Describe in what way FNV-support has been important for this.

(for additional tables on union implementing innovative examples copy paste the above table)

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Output

Examples of internal institutional strengthening of trade unions Describe initiatives taken on organizational strengthening of unions over the past year

Organizational analysis The Ghana TUC organised a workshop to review activities executed during the first half of 2011 and to develop a scheme of service for its Secretariat staff. The workshop was held from 27-29 July 2011.

Training of leaders and staff On July 27, 2011, the Ghana TUC organised a workshop to educate its steering committee on the tax laws of Ghana. The workshop aimed to build the capacity of the leadership to enable them support the TUC’s campaign for appropriate tax regime that does not overburdened the Ghanaian worker

The Ghana Mine Workers Union organised an orientation workshop for its newly elected officers. Beneficiaries of the training involved executives, branch officers and shop stewards.

The GMWU in collaboration with ICEM sponsored an Industrial Relations Officer of the GMWU and an executive member of the PMSU of GMWU to participate on three day training on Radiation Hazard Identification and Hazard Control Measures by ICEM in Namibia from 22-25 March 2011.

The African Labour Research Network (ALRN) organised a methodology workshop to train its researchers on research methodologies required to carry out activities under its study on trade union services and benefits. Two researchers from the Labour Research and Policy Institute of the Ghana TUC participated.

Introduction of measures for management improvement

The Ghana TUC initiated the development of a scheme of services for its staff. The scheme of service would clearly define workers position and responsibilities, line of progression (e.g. promotions) and hierarchy of authority. It would also provide the considerations for the determination of rewards, thereby ensuring fair and equity in rewards.

The African Labour Research Network at its AGM in December 2010 nominated a Steering Committee that takes decisions in between the AGM. The Network’s Steering Committee during

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2011 supported the Secretariat for making key decisions that could not wait for the AGM.

Innovations of internal democracy

Proposals for restructuring like unifications of company unions or unification of centrals

The Health Services Workers Union granted affiliation to about 14 Allied Health Workers Associations. This has unified a number of health services workers under one union.

Other:

Councils of Labour Meetings

The Ghana TUC organised Councils of Labour meetings to inform and interact with its members at the regional and district levels. The meetings were used to provide update on issues at the labour front (e.g. Single Spine Salary Structure , Minimum wage and the National Pension scheme ) and other important economic issues like the management of Ghana’s oil and gas resources among others

Other :

Use of Research findings of the ALRN on Women in trade unions

The Women’s Desk of the Ghana TUC organised a workshop to evaluate the gender policy of the Ghana TUC .The evaluation was to assess the effective or otherwise of the policy during its implementation over the past four years.

The report on women in trade union in Ghana produced by the Labour Research and Policy Institute of part of the ALRN study on Women in trade union in Africa became a useful resource material to guide the review. The Workshop was held on 6 December 2011 in Kumasi.

Examples of alliances Think of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with trade union centrals, membership organisations, GUFs, company networks, universities, NGO’s, etc that have been effective this past year

Name FNV Partner Ghana TUC

Name alliance that partner is involved in (mentioning names of organisations as well)

Trilateral partnership of the Ghana TUC, COSATU, South Africa and the Nigerian Labour Congress

Year partner joined the alliance

Main accomplishments of the alliance this year The Ghana TUC participated in a trilateral meeting

involving itself, COSATU, South Africa and NLC, Nigeria. The meeting was held in Johannesburg from 15-16 February 2011. The meeting discussed among other things, ways to strengthen trade unions in the

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trilateral partnership and on the continent as a whole.

The Ghana TUC also participated in the 10th Delegate Conference of the NLC, Nigeria from 1-3 March 2011.


Think of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with trade union centrals, membership organisations, GUFs, company networks, universities, NGO’s, etc that have been effective this past year

Name FNV Partner Timber and Woodworkers union; General Agricultural Workers Unions (GAWU); Construction, Building and Material Workers Union (CBMWU);


Building and Woodworkers International (BWI)


Main accomplishments of the alliance this year The GAWU, TWU and CBMWU participated in the Africa

and Middle East Regional Committee meeting of the BWI held in Accra from October 10-14, 2011. The meeting also commemorated the Year of the Forest as declared by the United Nations.


(for additional tables on alliances copy paste the above table)


Name FNV Partner Health Services Workers Union (HSWU)


Public Sector International (PSI)


Main accomplishments of the alliance this year On 18th December, the HSWU as a member and partner

of the PSI’s migration project organised a campaign and released a press statement to reduce attrition of health workers. The activities were in celebration of the International Migrants Day. It also worked to develop an Action Plan (2011-2012) through the Ghana National Working Group on migration.

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Name FNV Partner General Agricultural Workers Union


International Union of Food (IUF)

Year partner joined the alliance From 5-11 December, the GAWU hosted and participated in Agricultural Trade Group of the IUF conference in Accra. Other activities organised during the period include the African Women’s conference and IUF Regional conference.

Main accomplishments of the alliance this year 1994



Name FNV Partner Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU)


International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Union (ICEM)


Main accomplishments of the alliance this year The GMWU hosted the Sub-Saharan African Regional

Organisation Women of ICEM’s Conference on April 13, 2011 and the Sub-Saharan Regional Conference of the ICEM in Accra on April 15, 2011. The theme of the conference was “Building Strong Unions for Sustainable Development”.


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Sustainability Membership (In case of GUF state information of affiliates that participate in the FNV project)

Name of trade union (and GUF affiliated) or central or membership based organisation

General Agricultural Workers Union (affiliated to IUF and BWI)

Number of members of trade union, confederation or central by gender

Men women

In/decrease in membership over de past year The GAWU reports a total membership of 50323 in 2010 made up of 23518 wage workers and 26805 self-employed. During 2011, it organised 330 workers of the Mim Cashew and Agricultural Ltd and 126 workers of the Bas Van Buuren .At the same time it battled poaching of its members by the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU)

(for each trade union/organisation copy paste the above table)

Name of trade union (and GUF affiliated) or central or membership based organisation

Ghana Mine Workers Union (Affiliated to ICEM)

Number of members of trade union, confederation or central by gender

Men women

In/decrease in membership over de past year The GMWU reports total membership of 16,000. During the year f 2011, the union organised a total of 1042 new members for both branch and PMSU unions.

However, 37 of its members at the local union of Moolman Mining defected to join the General Manufacturing and Metal Workers Union (GEMM) of Ghana Federation of Labour

Representativeness

membership trade unions/membership base organizations: women Name of organisation/union: HSWU

Sector/area/company: Health sector

% workers in the sector that are member of the union 16,000

% of female workers in the sector or area or company Unknown (but its female dominated. females constitute about 60% of the union’s membership)

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Number of union leaders? (National Executive Committee) 50

Number female union leaders? (National Executive Committee) 6

(for each organisation copy paste the above table)

Name of organisation/union: GAWU

Sector/area/company: Agriculture

% workers in the sector that are member of the union unknown

% of female workers in the sector or area or company Unknown

Number of union leaders? (National Executive Committee) 70

Number female union leaders? (National Executive Committee) 21

Name of organisation/union: GMWU

Sector/area/company: Mining

% workers in the sector that are member of the union unknown

% of female workers in the sector or area or company Unknown

Number of union leaders? (National Officers ) 8

Number female union leaders? (National Officers ) 1

membership trade unions/membership base organizations: youngsters Name of organisation: Ghana TUC

Sector/area/company: Several

Do you have a system to register age of the members? No

If yes, which % of members is younger than 35 years? Unknown

(for each organisation copy paste the above table)

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International solidarity (on a scale from 1 to 5, tick where appropriate)

Response from GAWU International solidarity has contributed to maintaining or improving the position of the trade union movement this year.

1very little

2 3 4

5very much

Explain in 5 sentences:

4 International solidarity provides the space for sharing experiences among trade union organisations thereby drawing lessons on best practices

What is the importance of international funds 1very little

2 3 4 5very much

Explain in 5 sentences: 4 Aside union membership dues, international solidarity provides resources for crucial union activities such as organising. For GAWU, support from international solidarity partners has enabled continues organising of informal sector members. International funds has also enabled the union to provide capacity building to its members and staff

What is the importance of international solidarity in terms of Lobby and campaigning

1very little

2 3 4 5very much

Explain in 5 sentences: 3 International solidarity provides support for advocacy and lobbying for observation of treaties and ILO Convention

Responses From GHANA TUC International solidarity has contributed to maintaining or improving the position of the trade union movement this year.

1very little

2 3 4 5very much

Explain in 5 sentences: 5 International solidarity enables Ghana TUC link up with trade unions in other parts of the world; share experiences and learn best practices.

What is the importance of international funds 1very little

2 3 4 5very much

Explain in 5 sentences: 5 International funds help Ghana TUC to organise important trade union activities such as Council of Labour meetings, build the capacities of both leadership and staff of our labour movement

What is the importance of international solidarity in terms of Lobby and campaigning

1very little

2 3 4 5very much

Explain in 5 sentences: 5 Collaboration with International solidarity organisation like the ILO gives weight to advocacy efforts. It gives our voices recognition and hence makes the process effective.

Year report - FNV Mondiaal FNV Mondiaal – Annual Report 2011 Ghana Year report - FNV Mondiaal...

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