Sunon Asogli Power Ghana clarifies position on unionisation
Sunon Asogli Power Ghana, a subsidiary of Shenzhen Energy Group, has found itself embroiled in a dispute with the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU) over the unionisation of its workers. The company has issued a statement to clarify its position, stating that it is not and has never been against unionisation, and that it is aware of its employees’ right to join a union under Ghanaian law.
However, Sunon Asogli claims that its issue with the union is about the procedure and approach adopted by the GMWU. The company alleges that it requested a list of workers who had applied to join the union for almost two years, but the union refused to provide it. Sunon Asogli argues that it needed the list to determine the classes of employees the union was referring to, their departments, job descriptions, and the organizational structure of the company, as required by section 79 subsection 2, 3, and 4 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
The company emphasized that its insistence on having the list was not meant to obstruct the unionisation process but rather to ensure compliance with the law. Sunon Asogli argues that it cannot negotiate with people it does not know, and that the law refers to a particular individual when it talks about “the worker.” The company further stated that it did nothing wrong by asking for the list as it was required by law.
On February 17, 2023, the GMWU submitted a list of 68 persons to Sunon Asogli, which it claimed included past employees and others who had indicated their desire to rescind their decision to join the union. However, the company alleges that the union, under the leadership of its General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary, and 34 employees of Sunon Asogli, subsequently conspired, organized, and participated in an unlawful and illegal industrial action by gathering at the parking lot of the company, shouting, and chanting.
The company added that the conduct disturbed the peace and tranquility within its premises. When Sunon Asogli queried the 34 employees who participated in the illegal and unlawful act, the union wrote to the company on February 28, 2023, stating that the union should be held responsible for the incident.
Sunon Asogli Power Ghana has accused the GMWU of displaying arrogance, intimidation, and aggression in their quest to unionise its workers. The company further expressed disappointment in the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as a mother body, particularly by its press release of March 27, 2023, and the subsequent speech of the Executive Secretary on May Day 2023, which it says were laced with threats, falsehoods, and distortions.
The company claims that the TUC’s failure to hear from both sides before jumping to a conclusion is worrying. Sunon Asogli added that the National Labour Commission advised the parties to stay all actions, including commenting on the issue in the media. However, the GMWU has hidden under the umbrella of the TUC and has done the opposite, all in the quest to intimidate Sunon Asogli.
Despite the challenges, Sunon Asogli has pledged to continue to abide by the law and use the right procedures to achieve competitive advantage, reliability, and efficiency at all times. The company remains committed to engaging with the GMWU and other stakeholders to find a mutually beneficial solution to the unionisation issue.
