From organizing new workplaces to negotiating better wages — everything UNICOF does is built around protecting and empowering our members.
UNICOF organizes workers from three major sectors of Ghana's economy — Industrial/Manufacturing, Financial/Insurance, and Commerce. Our reach extends across all 16 regions of Ghana.
The organizing process begins when workers express interest in joining UNICOF and ends when a Collective Bargaining Certificate has been issued — giving those workers a recognized voice in their workplace.
UNICOF negotiates the terms and conditions of work for its members. The negotiations combine financial compensation, work rules and systems for handling grievances into a binding document called the Collective Agreement.
We have well-trained negotiators who understand the labour laws and practices of Ghana, ensuring that every agreement reflects the best possible outcome for our members.
A Collective Agreement covers wages, working hours, leave entitlements, disciplinary procedures, and any other conditions of service agreed between UNICOF and the employer.
UNICOF assists its members in addressing any issues arising from the implementation of the Collective Agreement and the Labour Act of Ghana.
Whether it's an unfair dismissal, a breach of your Collective Agreement, a workplace dispute, or a violation of your labor rights — UNICOF is in your corner from the first conversation to the final resolution.
UNICOF organizes training and education for its members on topics which affect their work as well as their lives. We have a dedicated department whose sole focus is the development of our members.
Trade unions throughout the world face daily new challenges. Globalization has brought rapid changes in the world of work — workers' representatives are being called upon to participate in workplace decision-making, making the role of trade unions broader and more complex than ever.
Our education programmes address the consequences of economic globalization, the demand for decent work, the fight against discrimination and exploitation, and the protection of human rights in the workplace.
Gender mainstreaming is one of UNICOF's major strategic objectives. The union has established a women's wing called the National Women's Council (NWC) to organize and mobilize female members across all levels.
The NWC is governed by a smaller body called the Regional Women's Committee (RWC), made up of 33 regional executives — three from each of the eleven regions (including Tema) and five National Executives. The NWC Chairperson also serves as the National Second Vice Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Union.
Regional Women's Committees operate in all regions to ensure that women's issues are addressed at every level — from the factory floor to national policy. The RWC comprises three executives from each of the eleven regions including Tema, plus five national officers.
Alongside the NWC, UNICOF has established a youth wing called the National Youth Council (NYC), dedicated to organizing and empowering the next generation of workers and labor leaders in Ghana.
The NYC is governed by the Regional Youth Committee (RYC), structured identically to the NWC — 33 regional executives across eleven regions including Tema, and five National Executives ensuring the youth voice is represented at all levels of the union.
The National Youth Council organizes capacity building programmes, leadership training, and advocacy work specifically designed for younger workers. It builds the next generation of trade union leaders and ensures youth concerns are central to UNICOF's agenda.
Contact your nearest UNICOF office and start the conversation today.