TUC Calls for Fair Pay, Safe Jobs, and Inclusive Growth on World Decent Work Day
Ghana’s Trades Union Congress (TUC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting fair pay, safe workplaces, and inclusive economic growth as the world marked World Decent Work Day on October 7.
Observed globally under the auspices of the United Nations, the day highlights the need for productive employment that delivers fair income, social protection, and equal opportunities for all workers. It is also a call to governments, employers, and workers to uphold dignity, fairness, and security in the world of work.
In a statement issued in Accra, the TUC and its affiliates said decent work remains central to the country’s fight against poverty and inequality. “Decent work is the means by which societies turn economic growth into better living conditions,” the statement said, adding that “it is the surest path to sustainable and inclusive development.”
The TUC stressed that decent work goes beyond employment creation. It includes respect for rights such as freedom of association, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and equal treatment for men and women. “It is about fairness, respect, and the opportunity for both employers and employees to grow and flourish together,” the statement noted.
The union called on government and employers to work with organized labour to ensure that economic growth translates into jobs for Ghana’s youth, many of whom continue to struggle to find work that matches their skills. The TUC also urged businesses to adopt fair labour practices and provide safe and healthy working environments as a means of boosting productivity and national development.
“Employment creation must not come at the expense of dignity,” the statement emphasized. “We must create a Ghanaian society where work uplifts our collective conscience and contributes to sustainable progress.”
The TUC further called on all stakeholders to support the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Decent Work Framework, which champions equal opportunities, social protection, and respect for workers’ rights.
“As we celebrate this day, we invite government, employers, and all Ghanaians to join hands in ensuring that decent work becomes the standard in every workplace. More than ever, decent work is crucial for Ghana’s future,” the statement concluded.
