Labour Movement under attack - Adu-Amankwa

Trade Union Congress (TUC) Secretary General, Kwesi Adu-Amankwa has said that the labour movement the world over is under serious attack from proponents of globalisation who see the labour unions as a stumbling block on the path of the new world wide phenomenon.

Adu-Amankwa described globalisation as the desire of capital to move freely all over the world and dominate all forms of economic activities without due recognition to labour, adding that proponents of the worldwide order are all prepared to defend it.

The TUC boss said this at an extra-ordinary delegates conference of the Public Service Workers union (PSWU) of the TUC in Kumasi aimed at reviewing the constitution of the labour group in a move to strengthen it.

Kwesi Adu-Amankwa noted that with the rise of globalisation, there have also been resistance groups which are against the policies that go with the world order which has the blessings of the big guns.

The resistance has been marked by open displays of demonstrations at world economic fora, and some of the demonstrations have led to clashes with riot police resulting in some casualties.

The TUC Chief also said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank which also support globalisation have become the target of some protesters who are aimed at weakening the foundations of the two financial institutions who call the economic shots in some developing countries.

Outlining measures to make the labour union in the country strong, he said workers in the formal and informal sectors and those on retirement should come together to give the TUC a strong force to stand up to any labour intimidation coming from any quarters.

He also urged for a well positioning of the union and the enhancement of its character to fulfil the aspirations of workers through a more effective and efficient way of championing workers rights.

Adu-Amankwa also called for an affirmative action in the union and also give it a gender balance. He was full of praise for the few ladies among the elected executives of the TUC.

The Secretary-General also welcomed the decision by the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) in adopting and promulgating a new constitution to guide the affairs of the union in the new century.

In welcoming the delegates to the conference, the General-Secretary of PSWU, A.T.D. Okine said the promulgation of a new constitution and internal regulations has become necessary due to changes in time. “A constitution is a living document and as a living document, it should be dynamic, sensitive and flexible enough to respond to changes in the environment” he said.

A delegates conference of the PSWU held in December 1999 reached a decision that a constitutional conference should be held within two years to adopt a new constitution devoid of the politics and tension association with other conferences.