It is not compulsory to join Trade unions but advisable-Legal Practitioner
“Article 21(E) of the 1992 Constitution provides for the Right to join a Trade Union of one’s choice. I think the emphasis there is on one’s choice so clearly, you are not under any compulsion to join a Trade Union in the first place.
Managing Partner of Law Alert Group, Charles Bawaduah has advised workers not to be under any compulsion to join any particular trade union.
He however indicated that it is advisable for workers to join Trade Unions to enjoy their high abounding benefits.
“Article 21(E) of the 1992 Constitution provides for the Right to join a Trade Union of one’s choice. I think the emphasis there is on one’s choice so clearly, you are not under any compulsion to join a Trade Union in the first place.
“You are not also under any compulsion to join any particular Trade Union so there is no compulsion. However, I want to advise that it is advisable to join a Trade Union because the benefits of a Trade Union high abound. The Trade Unions negotiate collective agreements, conditions under which you work so they protect your interest.”
Speaking on the TheLaw program on JoyNews on Sunday, January 30, 2022, the Legal Practitioner further advised workers to join Trade Unions that have a National Character and influence.
Additionally, he cautioned workers against joining Enterprise Unions instead of National Unions indicating that it works to their detriments because of the former’s less effectiveness.
Moreover, Mr. Bawaduah mentioned that whenever there are two Labour Unions at a workplace, the law requires the Union with the highest number of members to be issued a collective bargaining certificate.
“What this means is that even though you the smaller unions may be consulted, the actual negotiations and conclusions that will govern the employment will be done by the bigger union,” he noted.
