The Migrant Labour General Workers Union International (MLGWUI) has entreated employers to offer permanent jobs to migrant workers and refugees living in their countries.
The Union said this has become necessary considering the poverty line, precarious and vulnerable employment, decent work deficit facing workers outside their countries of birth.
MLGWUI made the request in commemoration of the 2022 May Day celebration.
In a statement to mark the day, MLGWUI stated that, “as part of 2022 May Day, the Migrant Labour General Workers Union International with her education department Finnish-French Migrant Resource Centre (MLGWUI-FFMRC) wishes all Migrant Workers, both abroad and in Ghana as well as in all sectors of the global economy, a happy May Day celebration.
Despite the fact that some continents and many countries have successfully integrated migrant workers into national labour force for equal wage/pay for equal work, MLGWUI in Ghana and Africa faces challenges with employers in organising for collective bargaining negotiations due to employers’ refusal to recognise migrant workers as integral part of the labour force and social partners in the labour market,” the Union noted in the statement.
To ensure the lives of members of Migrant Labour General Workers Union International are improved, the Union has made the following demands.
MLGWUI wants Heads of State, stakeholders and employers to recognise Migrant Workers and Refugees by respecting the international legal framework on fundamental principles, relevant conventions, labour standards and human rights enshrined in United Nations and International Labour Organisation for Migrant Workers and Refugees.
The Union also demands that the relevant government ministries and agencies especially, labour department and immigration service, involve MLGWUI in domestic, industrial/factory inspections and border research and management.
“Ghana must ratify C189 in 2022 and enforce assented Domestic Workers Regulations.
MLGWUI humbly appeals to Ghanaian and African investors/employers to subscribe and support AfCFTA hub of trade to enable AfCFTA to fulfil her mission for one harmonious market to benefit investors/employers and Migrant Workers on the continent. This will reduce unethical and irregular labour migration to other continents,” the statement signed by General Secretary, Justice Baako Ntarmah added.
Meanwhile, MLGWUI has applauded the Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery, the Ghana Refugee Board and UNHCR for the integration package for refugees in Ghana from 2021 to 2022.
Also, the Union has advised undocumented migrant workers not to be afraid to report any abusive employer and working recruitment agencies in labour related matters.
“Migrant Workers should claim transfer entitlement(s) before accepting or moving to transferred receiving destinations or location/country,” it added.
