Exploring labour standards in the construction industry- a case study of building construction firms in the Sunyani Municipality of Brong Ahafo Region

Abstract

Studies have found labour standard practices among construction companies to be generally low in Ghana. This study therefore sought to assess labour standard practices among building construction companies in the Sunyani Municipality, identify constraints that affect same and also strategies for implementation. The study adopted descriptive research design. The research approach was a mixed method which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The population consist of construction managers for the various construction firms that work with the Sunyani Municipal Assembly. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 50 construction managers for the study. Questionnaire and interview guide were used to gather primary data. Quantitative data was analyzed statistically using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 18 while the qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The study found that construction companies in the given jurisdiction provided clothing and first aid for worker safety. They also kept record of payment and complied with the standard hours of work in Ghana. However, companies did not pay wages in full and promptly. Also work lasted six days including holidays and Saturdays whenever contracted existed. Other findings include low levels of trade union activities among construction companies, non-issuance of employment letters to employees, non-payment of both End of Service benefits and Compensation Payments. Factors found to be constraining labour standard implementation are a lack of due awareness about the labour standard subject, absence of a sector union in the immediate environment, instability among the workforce and the non-application of sanctions to culpable companies. Best strategies identified for implementing labour standards include making companies indicate plan to implement labour standards in bid documents, giving awards to companies that performed well in upholding labour standards and empowering appropriate agencies to monitor and check compliance among other things. Based on the findings the study recommended that construction companies should embrace trade unionism as a subculture of company practices, pay workers full salaries and in good time, issue workers with valid written contract documents and also include in bid documents their plan and cost of implementing labour standards. Also, the study recommended that there should be regular workshops to educate stakeholders about the essence of labour standards, while government takes steps to establish as well as empower appropriate agencies to monitor and check compliance.