Collective Agreements
Strengthening Workers Through Collective Agreements
Collective Agreements are legally binding contracts negotiated between UNEAGES and employers that define the terms and conditions of employment for workers across various sectors.
Legal
Binding Contracts
Multi-Year
Protection Periods
Sector-Wide
Coverage
What Are Collective Agreements?
Collective Agreements are written contracts negotiated between trade unions and employers (or employers' associations) that establish the terms and conditions of employment for a group of workers.
Legal Basis in Ghana:
- Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) - Sections 96-105
- Industrial Relations Act - Collective bargaining provisions
- 1992 Constitution - Article 21 on freedom of association
Key Features
Legally Binding
Enforceable in court and through labour dispute mechanisms
Fixed Duration
Typically valid for 2-3 years with renewal negotiations
Collective Coverage
Applies to all workers in the bargaining unit, not just union members
Dispute Resolution
Includes mechanisms for resolving workplace disputes
Key Components of Our Collective Agreements
Comprehensive coverage of essential employment terms and conditions
Wages & Compensation
- Minimum wage scales by position
- Annual salary increments
- Performance bonuses
- Overtime rates and calculations
- Shift allowances and differentials
- Transportation allowances
Working Hours & Leave
- Standard working hours
- Overtime limitations
- Annual leave entitlements
- Sick leave provisions
- Maternity/paternity leave
- Study and compassionate leave
Health & Safety
- Workplace safety standards
- Personal protective equipment
- First aid facilities
- Hazardous work conditions
- Accident reporting procedures
- Safety committee formation
Benefits & Welfare
- Medical insurance coverage
- Pension contributions (SSNIT)
- Housing allowances
- Educational support
- Retirement benefits
- Death and disability benefits
Disciplinary Procedures
- Fair hearing processes
- Progressive discipline steps
- Grievance procedures
- Appeal mechanisms
- Union representation rights
- Termination procedures
Training & Development
- Skills development programs
- Promotion criteria
- Career progression paths
- Training leave provisions
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional certification support
Our Collective Bargaining Process
Structured approach to negotiating fair agreements for workers
Preparation & Research
We conduct comprehensive research on industry standards, company financials, and worker needs to prepare our negotiation position.
Key Activities:
- Worker surveys and consultations
- Industry wage benchmarking
- Economic analysis
- Legal research on precedents
Demand Formulation
Based on research findings, we formulate clear, achievable demands that address workers' key concerns and priorities.
Key Activities:
- Priority ranking of issues
- Drafting of proposals
- Setting negotiation parameters
- Member approval process
Formal Negotiations
Engaging with employers in structured negotiation sessions, with our experienced negotiators advocating for workers' interests.
Key Activities:
- Scheduled negotiation meetings
- Presentation of proposals
- Counter-proposal discussions
- Mediation if necessary
Agreement Finalization
Drafting the final agreement document, ensuring all negotiated terms are accurately captured and legally sound.
Key Activities:
- Legal drafting of agreement
- Review and clarification sessions
- Member ratification vote
- Signing ceremony
Implementation & Monitoring
Ensuring the agreement is properly implemented and monitoring compliance throughout its duration.
Key Activities:
- Worker education on new terms
- Compliance monitoring
- Grievance handling under agreement
- Regular review meetings
Sample Agreement Clauses
Examples of key provisions from our successfully negotiated agreements
Wage Increase Clause
Manufacturing Sector"Article 5.1 - Annual Wage Adjustment"
"Effective January 1st of each year during the term of this agreement, all employees shall receive a wage increase of not less than 10% or the annual inflation rate as published by the Ghana Statistical Service, whichever is higher..."
Key Benefits:
- Inflation-protected wage increases
- Guaranteed annual adjustments
- Clear implementation timeline
Health & Safety Clause
Food Processing"Article 8.3 - Workplace Safety Standards"
"The Employer shall provide and maintain at its expense all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) required for each specific job function. All PPE shall meet or exceed Ghana Standards Authority specifications..."
Key Benefits:
- Employer-funded safety equipment
- Compliance with national standards
- Regular safety training requirements
Leave Benefits Clause
Education Sector"Article 6.2 - Annual Leave Entitlement"
"All teaching staff shall be entitled to 30 working days of annual leave with full pay. Leave shall be scheduled during school vacation periods by mutual agreement between the staff member and school administration..."
Key Benefits:
- Guaranteed paid vacation time
- Scheduled during convenient periods
- Accrual and carry-over provisions
Union Rights Clause
All Sectors"Article 12.1 - Union Recognition & Access"
"The Employer recognizes UNEAGES as the sole bargaining agent for all employees in the bargaining unit. Union representatives shall have reasonable access to the workplace for legitimate union business..."
Key Benefits:
- Official union recognition
- Workplace access for representatives
- Protected union activities
Our Active Collective Agreements
Current agreements in force across various sectors we represent
| Sector/Company | Coverage | Duration | Key Achievements | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Private Education Consortium Greater Accra Region |
1,200+ Teachers | 2023-2025 | 15% salary increase, improved leave benefits | Active |
|
Agri-Food Processing Ltd Eastern Region |
850 Workers | 2024-2026 | Safety equipment provision, shift allowances | Active |
|
Aviation Support Services Kotoka International Airport |
300 Staff | 2023-2025 | Hazard pay, training programs | Active |
|
Manufacturing Consortium Industrial Area, Tema |
2,500 Employees | 2024-2027 | Pension enhancements, medical insurance | Active |
|
Goods Distribution Network National Coverage |
1,800 Drivers & Staff | 2023-2025 | Vehicle safety standards, rest period guarantees | Active |
"Strong agreements begin with strong preparation and united workers."
Need a Collective Agreement?
If your workplace lacks a collective agreement or your current agreement needs renewal, our expert negotiation team is ready to assist.
Agreement Assessment
Review of existing agreements and identification of improvement areas
Worker Mobilization
Organizing workers and building consensus on negotiation priorities
Expert Negotiation
Experienced negotiators to represent workers' interests effectively
Legal Drafting
Professional drafting of agreements that protect workers' rights
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about collective agreements and the bargaining process
Need specific advice? Contact our agreements department:
0303309740
agreements@uneages.org
How long does collective bargaining typically take?
The duration varies depending on the complexity of issues and employer responsiveness. Typically, negotiations take 2-6 months from preparation to final agreement signing.
What happens if negotiations break down?
We have several options including mediation through the Labour Commission, arbitration, or in rare cases, legal strike action (as a last resort). Most disputes are resolved through mediation.
Can non-union members benefit from collective agreements?
Yes. In Ghana, once a union is recognized as the bargaining agent, the collective agreement applies to all workers in the bargaining unit, regardless of union membership status.
How are collective agreements enforced?
Agreements are legally binding and enforceable through the Labour Commission and courts. We monitor compliance and represent members in enforcement actions.
What's the difference between CBA and individual contracts?
Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) establish minimum standards for all workers, while individual contracts can provide additional benefits but cannot offer less than the CBA provisions.
Secure Your Workplace Rights
A strong collective agreement is your best protection against unfair treatment and ensures dignity, security, and fair compensation for your work.
Tip: Review your current employment terms against our sample clauses to identify areas for improvement