Accra: The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union Ghana (ICU-Ghana) has issued a call to stakeholders for renewed efforts to eradicate precarious work conditions affecting the workforce. The union emphasized that addressing this issue is crucial for liberating workers who are subjected to substandard employment with inadequate pay, job insecurity, and lack of protection, all of which adversely affect their quality of life.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Morgan Ayawine, the General Secretary of the Union, highlighted these concerns in a statement marking this year’s Precarious Work Day on October 7. The World Day for Decent Work, established in 2008, is observed annually on this date, advocating for decent work worldwide.

Mr. Ayawine urged continuous efforts to educate contract and casual workers about their rights to form or join unions. The statement also called on transnational and multinational companies to reconsider their focus on profit maximization at the expense of workers.

The Union acknowledged the investments made by these companies globally but advised against employment contracts that undermine decent work standards. The statement urged political authorities to enforce stronger legislation against companies violating decent work principles and to prioritize policies promoting decent work.

The Union highlighted the prevalence of precarious employment, such as outsourcing and fixed-term contracts, especially within transnational and multinational firms. It criticized the injustice of young workers remaining in casual roles for extended periods without the prospect of permanent employment and its associated benefits.

While welcoming investment and job creation, the Union stated it would not tolerate employment practices that disadvantage workers. It expressed concern over permanent jobs being converted to contract or casual roles, noting that in many multinational companies in Ghana, precarious workers outnumber permanent staff despite performing similar work.