About UNEAGES

Union of Education, Agriculture & General Services Workers

UNEAGES Trade Union

UNEAGES (Union of Education, Agriculture & General Services Workers) is a registered trade union affiliated with the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL). Formed through the merger of two unions, we bring together decades of experience in trade union leadership and administration to represent workers across multiple sectors in Ghana.

Our origins trace back to PRISTEG (Private School Teachers & Educational Workers Union of Ghana), which faced significant challenges organizing in private schools characterized by exploitation and intimidation. This experience shaped our commitment to protecting workers' rights and fighting against unfair labour practices.

Registered as a Limited Liability Entity in 2011 and certified as a Trade Union by the Chief Labour Officer, UNEAGES represents a new era of trade union pluralism in Ghana, emerging after the 1992 Constitution opened the way for multiple labour centers.

As a founding member of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), we are part of the second labour center in Ghana, mobilizing independent trade union groups into a formidable force for workers' rights. Our leadership brings extensive experience in Industrial Relations Practice, Human Resource Management, Planning Monitoring & Evaluation, and Organizational Management.

With our focus on the private sector, we organize workers who often face the greatest challenges in workplace representation, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

Our Affiliations

UNEAGES is proud to be affiliated with:

  • Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL)
  • International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC Africa & Global)
  • International Union of Food (IUF) Global
  • International Transport Workers Federation (ITF)
  • Organized Labour of Ghana

Our History & Heritage

Trade Unionism in Ghana dates back to the Gold Coast Colonial era in the 1940s when workers in industry, commerce, banking, and public service faced exploitation by colonial masters and foreign business owners. The heroic role of Railway Enginemen and Workers at the Sekondi/Takoradi Bottom Tree resonates with the early struggles of Ghanaian workers.

In 1945, the Gold Coast Trade Union Congress was formed with support from Freedom Fighters, becoming the Trades Union Congress after Ghana's Independence in 1957. For decades, trade union monopoly was maintained until 1993 when the Textile Group broke away from the Industrial & Commercial Workers Union to pave way for Trade Union Pluralism under the 1992 Constitution.

UNEAGES continues this legacy of worker solidarity, building on Ghana's rich history of trade unionism that played a vital role in the struggle for independence and continues to fight for workers' dignity and fair treatment.

Our Vision

To build a unified and strong workforce in the Education, Agriculture and General Service sectors in pursuit for the dignity of labour, equitable growth and prosperity.

Our Mission

To organize and represent workers, equip and empower them through education, collective action, solidarity action, advocacy for the promotion and protection of the rights and freedoms of workers towards a better future for all.

Our Core Principles

  • Social Partnership: Management and workers as partners in development, working together for corporate goals and fair resource distribution.
  • Dialogue: Promoting horizontal and vertical dialogue for industrial harmony and maximum productivity.
  • Hard Work & Team Work: Promoting disciplined workforce and teamwork in an enabling environment.
  • Respect for the Rule of Law: Respect for organizational rules, authority, and mutual respect between management and workers.

Our Core Mandate

As a registered Trade Union, UNEAGES performs the following essential functions:

Organize Workers

Organize workers in various companies into trade unions across our focus sectors.

Represent Workers

Represent organized workers in promoting and protecting their socio-economic rights.

Negotiate Agreements

Negotiate Collective Agreements to define working conditions and service terms.

Educate Workers

Educate workers on their rights and responsibilities, and those of employers.

Defend Workers

Stand by and defend workers against unfair labour practices at work.

Develop Leadership

Enhance leadership skills and career development potentials in workers.