Public Services Workers' Union of TUC (Ghana) turns 60

PSI Statement Public Services Workers' Union of TUC (Ghana) turns 60

A fraternal message from PSI General Secretary Rosa Pavanelli on PSWU of TUC's 60th anniversary

Rosa Pavanelli

A very happy 60th Anniversary to the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of TUC – Ghana!

Today, we celebrate with a group of exceptional comrades that have for decades now, spearheaded campaigns calling on the government to take pragmatic steps to improve the quality of public service delivery in a region where the privatization menace is on the rise.

As Public Services International (PSI), we understand that development is not only about economic growth; but instead more effectively measured by education, healthcare and other human dynamics which public services are created to address.

Bernard Adjei, PSWU's Ag. General Secretary

Quality public services are the most important measure of development, and sustainable development will only be achieved if governments dramatically step up the public funding needed to address the major challenges from poverty and inequalities.

I would like to, on behalf of PSI, recognize the extraordinary achievements and contributions of PSWU Ghana towards improved public service delivery and national development in Ghana over the years.

I would like to on this occasion reiterate that quality public services, provided to all, is the only way to achieve human rights, gender equality and social justice, leading to real sustainable development.

These are several and range from presenting resolutions to governments on matters such as wages, workers’ health and safety, and proposing alternatives to privatization within the sectors; to standing in solidarity with workers hit by unfair dismissal, and supporting governments for a peaceful society overall by rallying workers and the public to uphold tolerance.

All these efforts continue to make a difference in, as a union movement, pushing for a more just world for workers in public services across the region and beyond, and they are even more significant because of how difficult the terrain is for trade unionists often targeted by intimidation from all corners.

I would like to on this occasion reiterate that quality public services, provided to all, is the only way to achieve human rights, gender equality and social justice, leading to real sustainable development.

Privatization is used to break unions, collective agreements, drive down wages and labour conditions and introduce precarious work.

Finally, I salute PSWU Ghana for its role in the fight against privatization, sharing knowledge, support and research to win the fight for publicly provided services, accessible to all.

Happy 60th Anniversary, Comrades!

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