The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has announced plans to engage the government in efforts to secure dedicated funding for caterers working in public health institutions.
According to the TUC, this move is aimed at improving working conditions and ensuring better remuneration for the caterers.
Secretary General of TUC, Joshua Ansah, made this known while addressing members of the Health Facilities and Health Training Institutions Caterers Association.
The Association recently affiliated with the Health Services Workers Union at a ceremony held in Accra.
Caterers working in public health institutions across the country continue to face numerous challenges, ranging from fire hazards in the workplace to concerns over food safety and hygiene.
Unsafe food handling practices remain a persistent issue, making their work environment even more difficult.
One of the major concerns for these caterers is the lack of support after retirement, with many left vulnerable due to inadequate welfare structures.
Support from the government and health institutions has also been limited, further compounding their struggles.
In a bid to address these issues, the caterers have come together to form a union known as the Health Facilities and Health Training Institutions Caterers Association.
The newly formed association is led by its President, Nicholina Mawuli.
“Our industry is a very difficult one, we are exposed to fire and a lot of risk. Sometimes you work hard and you are going home with some health challenge due to the heat we are exposed to. So, we are looking at how we can use our majority to help ourselves,” she said.
At an event in Accra to mark the Association’s official affiliation with the Health Services Workers Union, the General Secretary of the Health Services Workers Union, Franklin Owusu Ansah, pledged his support and commitment to helping the caterers overcome their challenges.
” The health services workers union as a mother union will continue to advocate for better conditions of service for all its members,” he assured.
Secretary General of TUC, Joshua Ansah appealed to the government to allocate funding specifically to support caterers in public health institutions.
“I am aware of the challenges you face including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure and the need for capacity building. However, I also recognize the opportunities that exist for growth, innovation and collaboration,” he said.
