BENEFITS OF BEING A UNION MEMBER

As a member of the Union, the following points will help you to understand your rights per the
Collective Agreement signed between IPMC Management and the Union back by the
constitution of Ghana.

Perhaps the single biggest benefit you get as a member of the union is a real voice in the
workplace.  The employer can no longer arbitrarily ignore your concerns - they must now
listen to you and take action on your concerns.  If they don't, there is a process to follow to
settle your differences which is legally binding.

Job Security
So far as a member/staff works or conducts himself within the lay down rules and regulations
as enshrine in the Bargaining Agreement, no member/staff will be made to face wrongful
termination or dismissal without through due process lay down by the Labour Law. The Union
can drag your wrongful termination as far as to the Labour Commission.

Wages and Benefits

Because labor unions can negotiate on behalf of workers, unionized workers often enjoy higher
wages and better benefits than nonunionized workers. Labor unions can negotiate wages as
well as pay raises and benefits like health care insurance, overtime pay, seniority, pensions,
shift differentials (getting paid more for working odd hours) and vacation leave.

Unions can also alter work hours and attempt to implement new safety regulations. It may be
more difficult for an employer to fire a unionized worker, as contracts between labor unions
and companies are legally binding and help guarantee worker rights.

We wish to inform you that the 20% and the 17.5% increment was as the result of the Union
engagement which is far more better than the 10% and 15% proposed earlier by management
and the Managing Director.

Be prepared - THE BOSS WILL PLAY SOME GAMES as this process unfolds. They will try several
tricks to keep you and your co-workers from joining the union and getting a bigger share of the
pie.  These tricks may include things like:

 Telling lies about the union

  Sending a letter to the workers asking you to give them "one more chance"
 One-on-one meetings with employees (to intimidate you)
 Starting a "vote no" campaign
 Suggesting that the operation will close if you vote yes to the union

And many, many more dirty, underhanded tricks to keep you and your fellow workers from
trying to make your workplace a better place to work.  Remember, you have a democratic right
to join a union and it is illegal for the employer to interfere.

Deduction of Dues
We also want to inform all members that only 2% of their salary is what to be deducted from
their salary to enhance the working of the Union in conveying meetings, sending information
across the other braches and also for transportation cost for other members outside Accra who
attend meetings on behalf of their respective branches.

We wish to encourage any member to ask for further clarification from the Union
representative at their branch on any issue for further clarification.

By participating in collective bargaining, workers can truly promote their interests and protect
themselves.  Collective action is well established in society.  Millions of workers are
represented by unions across Ghana.

Even groups like doctors and lawyers form associations to take collective action to improve
their respective lots.  Employers also have long realized the power of collective action.  They
frequently join associations to collectively lobby for their own interests.  If it's good enough for
these people, why  not you?

Enclosed is the Collective Bargaining Agreement between IPMC and the Union for your perusal.