A resolute stance has been taken by Organized Labour against the government’s proposal to introduce a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) during next year’s salary negotiations for public sector workers.
Rather than accepting this temporary relief measure, Organized Labour asserts that it will adamantly demand direct salary increases, citing concerns about the potential impact on pension payments and other benefits.
The concept of COLA involves providing government employees with short-term financial assistance when immediate salary adjustments are not feasible.
However, Organized Labour contends that embracing COLA would not yield any positive influence on aspects like pension contributions and overall earnings.
Speaking to journalists in Accra, Joshua Ansah, Deputy General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), emphasized the need for substantive salary raises rather than settling for a COLA. Ansah stated, “I don’t think it will be wise for us to go for COLA because COLA does not affect our pensions, doesn’t affect our earnings. So we think that it is better for us to go straight and get what is due us.”
Highlighting a potential concern, Ansah noted that government decisions influenced by International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions should not adversely impact the minimum wage in the country.
Organized Labour Firmly Rejects Monetary Compensation from Sunon Asogli
Simultaneously, Organized Labour has taken an unwavering stand against a monetary compensation offer presented by Sunon Asogli Power Limited, advocating instead for the reinstatement of dismissed local union executives from the Ghana Mineworkers Union of TUC.
Sunon Asogli had proposed a monetary compensation package totaling GH¢1.2 million for the dismissed union leaders. Nonetheless, Organized Labour dismissed this offer, emphasizing its priority to reinstate the union leaders rather than accepting financial compensation.
Deputy Secretary General of the TUC, Joshua Ansah, underscored that Organized Labour is steadfast in safeguarding the rights of workers. Ansah articulated, “We are not after money. We are fighting for the principle of the rights of workers.”
Expressing dissatisfaction with Sunon Asogli’s stance, Ansah criticized the company’s refusal to reinstate the union leaders, deeming it a “wrongful” decision. He expressed determination to pursue the reinstatement of the union leaders until a just resolution is achieved.
The stance taken by Organized Labour on both fronts underscores a commitment to safeguarding workers’ interests and rights, holding steadfast against proposals that may undermine their financial security and job security.
Discussion about this post