Don’t use us for your selfish interests – KEDA workers tell CBMWU of TUC

Workers at TWYFORD KEDA, a Chinese ceramics manufacturer in Ghana, have rejected unionization. They believe it disrupts their work environment for selfish reasons.

On January 20, 2025, workers from various departments expressed satisfaction with their conditions. They also praised their relationship with management and human resources. Attempts by the Construction and Building Materials Workers Union (CBMWU) to unionize were dismissed.

In December 2024, the CBMWU sent emails urging all TWYFORD KEDA employees to join the union. This communication was seen as a breach of the Data Protection Act. Workers were concerned about how their personal information was shared without authorization.

KEDA management protested to the CBMWU on December 27, 2024. They demanded disclosure of how the union obtained workers' data and requested its removal. However, the CBMWU provided an evasive response and continued recruiting efforts during work hours.

The ongoing conflict over data privacy is serious for KEDA's lawyers. The CBMWU continues to contact TWYFORD KEDA workers with promises of rewards. Management showed evidence of money transfers from a regional officer to support these activities.

These actions have caused disruptions in productivity within the Engineering unit. Eight contract staff members identified as union agents are set to finish their contracts in March 2025.

KEDA will not engage with the CBMWU until they disclose how they acquired personal information illegally. The company has over 4,100 direct employees who mostly live on-site in dormitories.

Many workers expressed satisfaction with their current conditions and dismissed union activities as unnecessary. Judith Aggrey from finance appreciates free daily lunch and accommodation provided by KEDA.

Engineer Von Bismark Bissue believes a union is unnecessary since HR handles worker challenges effectively. Kismet Baffuor Amissah from HR noted that KEDA has complied with labor laws since starting operations in Ghana in 2017.

He mentioned high worker satisfaction rates and numerous welfare benefits offered by KEDA, including free utilities and internet access. Kufour Asamoah, a senior commercial manager, stated there is no need for a union due to effective HR policies.

Asamoah highlighted maternity leave policies and regular salary adjustments that benefit workers greatly. Amina from electrical department mentioned cultural diversity initiatives like learning Chinese for extra allowances.

KEDA is expanding its facilities by constructing additional residential accommodations for staff on ten acres of land nearby. The company is one of Ghana's largest producers of tiles and sanitary ceramics while exporting globally.