Ferro Fabrik Limited, one of Ghana’s biggest manufactures of Iron rods and steel products, is championing worker rights as an integral part of its management strategy.
We believe that a happy worker does not pretend to work because he knows the benefits of hardwork and consistency, Mr K. Deep, General Manager, Ferro Fabrik Limited, informs.
It is prudent to address the just demands of workers which in the long term make them confident and more purposeful on the factory lines and the overall productivity and prosperity of all stakeholders including the workers and shareholders.
We are investing millions of cedis into safe technology which was replacing old machines with more environmentally friendly and energy efficient ones thus propelling productivity with minimal effort, he said.
All these are being done with the worker in mind. We thought that those activities and events should form a strong foundation for worker improvement, safety and relative comfort.
Apart from wages which are reviewed through negotiations done in an atmosphere of cordiality and free from all forms of intimidation, we offer incentives, loans and even provide free healthcare which we consider very crucial because an unhealthy workforce is useless.
“Dirty scraps could induce smoke when been melted but we are stepping up our smoke capturing regime while we always insist on the use of all Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in all situations.
Steel production is highly technical and could be dangerous so workers need their eyes, ears and mind all the hours they work the lines,” he said.
Without giving away many trade secrets, we have done some simple things like situating our ultra modern toilet facilities at strategic places. In fact, we insist on health and safety which are not negotiable.
In the near future., workers would be eligible for more elegant packages including car and housing loans from banks with guarantees from management. We all look forward to that day which will come through our collective efforts.
According to him, every investment needs protection to grow and provide jobs and other comforts but it is up to the worker and the manager to tango in a congenial environment.