Dr. William Mensah-Ansah, an industrialist, has called for a shift away from utilizing strikes in modern-day labor engagements, emphasizing the need for stronger negotiation skills among labor and union leaders. Citing the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) social dialogue document as a framework for promoting social justice, economic growth, higher wages, and better working conditions, Dr. Mensah-Ansah highlighted the importance of negotiation, consultation, and information exchange between governments, employers, and labor organizations.
According to Dr. Mensah-Ansah, the ILO’s social dialogue philosophy is centered on robust, autonomous, and representative employer and worker organizations, equipped with technical assistance capacity to engage in social interaction and access crucial information. He stressed the significance of political will, trust, and commitment from all parties involved in social dialogue, as well as respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining. Establishing an enabling legal and institutional framework for dialogue is essential for creating an environment conducive to decent work for all.
The industrialist emphasized the pivotal role of employers in society, stating that successful enterprises are vital for job creation and improving living conditions. To avoid harmful and unjustifiable strikes, Dr. Mensah-Ansah urged labor unions to strengthen their negotiation abilities and engage in healthy dialogues with the government and businesses. He advocated for resolving labor issues through constructive dialogue rather than resorting to antagonistic and hostile measures, emphasizing that strikes should be a last resort.
Enhancing negotiation skills among labor and union leaders can foster productive social dialogue, creating an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding between employers and employees. By promoting collaborative problem-solving and mutual respect, labor disputes can be effectively addressed, leading to improved working conditions and overall economic growth.
