The Accra High Court (Labour Division) has finally settled a 32-year-old labour dispute between the Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL) Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) and the Textile, Leather, and Garment Union (TEGLU).
In its ruling, the court declared that the ICU, which represents ATL workers, had a majority membership compared to TEGLU. Consequently, the presiding judge, Justice Rockson Aboawen, ordered TEGLU to hand over the bargaining certificate to ATL ICU.
Additionally, the court directed that an amount of GH¢425,000, which had been injuncted during the dispute, be shared between the two unions. The ruling, which took effect on June 19, 2024, is expected to restore peace and harmony among ATL workers.
Relief and Jubilation
Following the judgment, members of the ICU expressed joy, with some offering prayers of gratitude outside the court.
ICU General Secretary, Morgan Ayawine, welcomed the decision, calling it a major victory that would help ensure workplace stability. He urged all workers to maintain peace and unity for the sake of job security.
Local ICU Secretary at ATL, Joseph Botwe, assured the ICU office in Accra that with the dispute resolved, employees would rededicate themselves to reviving ATL’s reputation as a leader in fabric, wax, and textile designs.
Background of ATL
Akosombo Textiles Limited was established in 1967 by a Chinese-Hong Kong businessman, Mr. Cha, with support from Odeneho Kwafo Akoto II, the Paramount Chief of the Akwamu Traditional Area. Odeneho Kwafo Akoto II, who was also a former Chairman of the Presidential Commission under President Kwame Nkrumah, provided a 47-acre land for the factory.
Before the labour crisis, ATL employed 1,600 workers, playing a significant role in Ghana’s textile industry. With this longstanding dispute now resolved, the company is hopeful for a resurgence in productivity and growth.
