OVER 500 professionals have, in the past 15 years, been trained in issues related to industrial relations, dispute settlement, collective bargaining, people management among others, thanks to the institution of the Diploma in Industrial Relations by the Ghana Employers Association (GEA).
The GEA says its investigations show that the workers who have benefitted from the training programmes are doing well in their establishments and positively impacting industry.
Speaking at the 4th graduation ceremony of some 38 graduands under the International Professional Managers Association (IPMA)-UK, the Director of Industrial Relations at GEA, Mr Joseph Kingsley Amuah, explained that GEA’s objective of instituting the programme was to, among others, acquaint practitioners with the requisite skill on collective bargaining; ability to handle Labour and employment matters professionally, Improve their knowledge and understanding of dispute settlement mechanisms; enhance their ability to manage people issues well and also introduce participants to best Industrial relations practices globally and nationally.
The graduation programme was on the theme ‘The Role of Industrial Relations towards Inclusive, Sustainable and Productive Enterprise Growth.”
According to Mr Amuah, maintaining a harmonious, cordial and productive relations at the workplace required the right professionalism, knowledge and expertise that could galvanize the needed co-operation of workers, managers and their organisations on continuous basis toward business success; and “this is exactly what the GEA/IPMA Industrial Relations programme provides.”
Mr Amuah observed that the current nature of work and future of work coupled with uncertainties of both our national and global economies demand pragmatic and robust social dialogue devices and structures that are deficient of suspicion, mistrust, injustice and lawlessness.
What is required is a strong collaborative effort that promotes good faith, mutual respect, fairness, equity, trust, and justice.
The GEA is confident that these qualities devoid of any malice could help both businesses, workers, trade unions and government to harmonise their respective interests and forge together to promote viable and sustainable businesses that, “we all know is a panacea for uninterrupted production, high productivity and income levels, better working conditions, high employment levels which are necessary ingredients to stimulate higher national development”.
In an address read for him, the Minister of Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah praised GEA for its partnership with IPMA in running the Diploma programme in Industrial Relations saying “the relevance of the programme in promoting industrial peace and harmony in the workplace cannot be overemphasized.”
He observed that GEA’s actions demonstrate the importance the Association attaches to workplace harmony.
“Indeed, a peaceful industrial relations climate is crucial for business sustainability, growth, productivity and employment creation,” the Minister stated.
According to the Mr Baffour-Awuah, employers who invest in their staff deserve recognition and commendation, since such investments undoubtedly enhance the knowledge and competences of their staff.
He acknowledged that in recent times the day to day administration of the workplace had become increasingly complex and complicated. Workers are demanding improved conditions of service while employers are demanding higher productivity and better performance from workers.
