Underclass sentiments buoyed amendments to Labour Bill

Accra, July 17,GNA - Two amendments that could make the Labour bill more under-class friendly had the nod of Parliament on Thursday but not with compromise.

One of the amendments sought to protect the worker at the workplace while the other put limitations on the manoeuvres of employment agencies.

Mr Seidu Adamu, NDC-Bibiani, and Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe, NDC-Gomoa West, had co-sponsored the workplace amendment while Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, NDC- Kumbungu, moved for the employment agency amendment to the Labour Bill which is at the consideration stage.

The Bill seeks to consolidate most labour laws and measures that promote industrial peace and harmony.

Mr Seidu Adamu had urged the House to amend Paragraph C, line 1 of Clause 9 of the Bill to clear any ambiguity about the fact that employers owed workers a duty of care.

"We should not undermine or dilute that fact since it may even undermine the concept of compensation when injury or death occurs at the work place."

Mrs Benyiwa-Doe said without making it clear that employers were responsible for safety at the work place, most employers might find loopholes and argue the "as far as practicable gimmick" and get away. Mr C.O. Nyanor, NPP-Upper Denkyira, opposed the motion by arguing that employers did not incur strict liability at the work place. Mr Osei Kwame Prempeh, NPP-Kwamang, proposed a compromise amendment to the effect that the duty of care at the workplace was not an absolute labour principle.

Mr Balado Manu, Chairman, Committee on Employment and Social Welfare said it was a "compromise between right of the worker and the responsibility of the employer".

On employment agencies, Alhaji Mumuni had proposed that an applicant should have his or her deposit refunded if a job was not secured within a specified period.

It was later agreed by consensus that after three months, if no job was secured, the relevant agencies must refund 50 per cent of the deposit to the applicant.

More than 30 amendments have been posted to the Bill.