The National Labour Commission (NLC) and Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited have received an adjournment for their court case to July 31, 2023. The adjournment was made following the absence of the respondent at the last sitting, where they had previously indicated a willingness to explore a settlement. Ms. Afiba Amihere, counsel for NLC, stated that despite conveying the information to the respondent’s counsel, there had been no response.
The case was filed by the Ghana Mineworkers Union against Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited, alleging unfair labor practices and coercion of workers to leave the union. The NLC seeks to enforce its decision to reverse the termination of employment for members of the local union. In response, Sunon Asogli Power Limited acknowledged that employees have the right to join a union but raised concerns about the manner in which the unionization process was being conducted.
The NLC had directed both parties to recognize the Collective Bargaining Certificate (CBC) and constitute a Standing Negotiating Committee (SNC) to resolve any disputes. Despite various meetings between the parties, an industrial strike notice was served on the Commission after the respondent allegedly continued to issue threats and intimidate local executives, resulting in the termination of three workers’ employment.
While the respondent argues that they have lawfully terminated the employment contracts and complied with Act 651, the NLC contends that the terminations were unjustifiable and violated the Labor Act provisions and employees’ fundamental rights. The respondent believes that the instant application is an abuse of the court process as the time limit set by the NLC for amicable resolution had not elapsed before filing the application.
The case will resume on July 31, 2023, with both parties seeking resolution on the issues related to unionization and workers’ employment rights.
