You’re clueless about industrial relations, challenges workers face – TUC Slams Prof Adei

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has asserted that Economist Professor Stephen Adei lacks comprehension of the country’s industrial relations and the difficulties encountered by workers.

This statement follows Prof Adei’s claim that Ghanaian workers are among the least productive globally and that Togolese workers outperform Ghanaians in terms of productivity.

In a statement issued on Friday, April 19, 2024, the TUC remarked that this was not the first instance where Prof Adei had criticized Ghanaian workers and belittled their contributions.

The TUC, along with Organised Labour, affirmed that they “will no longer sit down for you [Prof Adei] to continue the unwarranted attacks on Ghanaian workers and their trade unions.”

“We are convinced that you are clueless about industrial relations and the challenges Ghanaian workers are grappling with. We will respond to any such attacks from you, henceforth.”

The TUC highlighted that in the past, Prof Adei purportedly advocated for the dismissal of all public basic schoolteachers, baselessly alleging that the “teachers are not teaching.”

“Two years ago, you reportedly urged government to sack public sector workers who were only exercising their legal right to strike. You have now established yourself, firmly, as anti-Ghanaian worker.”

The TUC also cited that in 2019, the Professor asserted that 50% of public service workers are overpaid and suggested that these workers do not merit their salaries.

“In that interview, you falsely claimed, among other things, that the attitude of the Ghanaian worker remains one of the worst across the world. Again, in 2019, you advocated the removal of students and labour representatives from the governing councils of public universities. And in December 2013, you rubbished the demand by doctors, pharmacists, lecturers, and senior staff of public universities and polytechnics for market premium, stating that they “must thank God [that they have] job[s] and not market premium.”

The TUC conveyed disappointment over the extensive list of negative remarks made by Prof Adei about Ghanaian workers and their unions.

“You are on a mission to discredit Ghanaian workers at the least opportunity. You have been deliberate and consistent in attacking workers and courting public disaffection for them. The working people of Ghana will not tolerate your attacks any longer.”