Renowned labour consultant and CEO of Gamey and Gamey Group, Austin Gamey, has called on employers to ensure that employee remuneration aligns with productivity levels. According to him, fair compensation tied to output is essential for worker satisfaction and overall economic growth.
Speaking at a labour law forum in Accra organized by The Business Executive, Mr. Gamey emphasized the importance of aligning wages with performance in the current business climate.
“Now that business predictability is reasonably assured, it’s time for employers and unions to collaborate, raise productivity, and match wages accordingly,” he said.
He explained that higher productivity directly impacts company revenue and, by extension, contributes positively to the national economy. Gamey noted that effective communication between management and employees plays a critical role in improving performance and job satisfaction.
Collaboration is Key
Mr. Gamey urged both employers and workers to work together in promoting the financial health of businesses. “When labour and management cooperate in ensuring workplace safety and fair compensation, employees are more likely to take charge of their responsibilities and contribute meaningfully,” he stated.
He further stressed that shared responsibility and open dialogue would allow businesses to generate enough income for reinvestment, leading to mutual satisfaction.
Understanding Labour Law
A key focus of the forum was to educate stakeholders on the operationalisation of Ghana’s Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which governs employment relations in the country. The Act stipulates a 40-hour work week (8 hours daily), allows for overtime with appropriate compensation, and defines the roles of both employer and employee.
Gamey encouraged all stakeholders to become well-versed in the law to help resolve disputes proactively and prevent disruptions such as strikes or lockouts.
On the 24-Hour Economy Proposal
Commenting on Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy policy, Mr. Gamey argued that there is no need to amend existing labour laws to accommodate it, as current legislation already provides for three-shift systems.
“Our labour law is adequate. We already have a three-shift system in place,” he said, while recommending the introduction of a legislative instrument (LI) to provide further clarity on implementing a 24-hour economy.
Citing his experience in Kenya, which operates a similar economic model, Gamey highlighted its practicality and advantages. “We were able to shop at 1 a.m. while preparing for a trip. That’s the reality of a 24-hour economy. If Ghana wants to compete globally, this is the way forward,” he said.
He endorsed former President John Mahama’s 24-hour economy proposal, describing it as timely and beneficial to Ghana’s future. “It’s a good initiative. I’m confident we can embrace it and make it work.”
Dispelling Fears of Labour Exploitation
Addressing concerns that the policy could lead to the exploitation of workers through contract jobs, Gamey dismissed such fears as unfounded. “If you need to hire, you hire. It’s not true that this policy will lead to contract exploitation,” he clarified.
