Mr Kofi Asare Asianowa, Greater Accra Regional Industrial Relations Officer of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC)-Ghana, has urged union leaders to ensure that workers adhere to the rules of engagement and work diligently to merit their entitlements.
He said this could be achieved through regular interactions with members to educate them on the rules and effectively represent their concerns to management for redress.
Mr Asianowa advised union leaders to avoid vindictive behaviour in the discharge of their duties and remain available to advise, support, and defend members to promote a healthy working relationship between workers and management.
He gave the advice during an orientation and training session for the newly sworn-in officers of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Division of the PSWU in Accra.
The eight-member executive, chaired by Mrs Lydia Kukua Asamoah, a Senior Editor of the GNA, was elected to serve a second four-year term of office.
Taking the executives through what he described as the “solidarity principle,” Mr Asianowa emphasized that no worker should stand alone, noting that unity among workers strengthens the union.
“No worker should stand alone because together we become an army,” he stated, adding that “together everyone achieves more.”
He further urged the union executives to act purposefully and focus on achieving the best outcomes for their members.
“We should get to the basis, know the issues of our members, and present or speak their minds,” he said.
As part of the training, Mr Asianowa also took the executives through the union’s Constitution and internal regulations to guide them in the effective execution of their responsibilities.
He reminded the executives of their mandate to protect jobs, secure better working conditions, monitor compliance with rules of engagement, and pursue compensations and health-related issues for members.
He added that these could all be attained through the larger PSWU umbrella and effective networking with affiliate members of the TUC.
