Ratify ILO Convention 190 to protect workers - MDU

The Maritime and Dockworkers Union (MDU) is renewing its call for Ghana to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 (C190). This convention aims to protect workers from violence and harassment in and beyond the workplace.

Marian Atuguba, Deputy General Secretary of the MDU, emphasized that ratifying C190 would promote decent work, enhance worker wellbeing, and ultimately boost productivity across various sectors, including fisheries. She pointed out that Nigeria has already ratified the convention and urged Ghana to expedite its own stalled process.

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We have been pushing for the ratification of this convention for some time now. It is unfortunate that after the change in government, we have gone back to ground zero. We are hopeful that the bill will be reintroduced and passed so that the convention can be realised in Ghana.

Atuguba, who also holds international positions within the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), highlighted the convention's importance during a workshop for fisheries unions. She noted that progress on ratification had been made before a change in government, but the process had to restart. "We are hopeful that the bill will be reintroduced and passed so that the convention can be realised in Ghana," she stated.

She further explained that C190 addresses issues like domestic violence and family relationships that can impact workers' productivity. Many in the fisheries sector have endured harassment, sometimes considering it normal. Educating workers about their rights, Atuguba believes, will empower them to seek redress and foster safer work environments. She concluded that peaceful workers are more productive, benefiting both the fisheries sector and the national economy.

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We are hopeful that the bill will be reintroduced and passed so that the convention can be realised in Ghana.