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Organized Labor has initiated negotiations with the government, proposing a significant increase in base pay for 2024, citing the escalating cost of living in the country.
The labour union initially demanded a base pay increase of over 75%, emphasizing the necessity to address rising living expenses. As discussions commenced on Monday, November 13, reports indicated that labour adjusted its stance to a 60% increment, while the government tabled a much lower proposal of just 15%.
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The labour union initially demanded a base pay increase of over 75%, emphasizing the necessity to address rising living expenses. As discussions commenced on Monday, November 13, reports indicated that labour adjusted its stance to a 60% increment, while the government tabled a much lower proposal of just 15%.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Monday, November 13, Joshua Ansah, Deputy General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), explained the union’s position: “When we proposed a 75.1% increase, the government countered with 10%. That’s why we revised our stance to 60%.”
Ansah expressed hope for substantial progress during the negotiations scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, mentioning that the labour union would convene to strategize and determine its fallback position.
Regarding the timing of the agreement relative to the 2024 budget reading, Ansah stressed that the budget’s schedule should not compel labour to accept an inadequate proposal hastily.
In response, Bright Wireko-Brobby, Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, urged the labour union to reconsider their demand for a higher percentage increase. While acknowledging the government’s empathy towards the union’s concerns, Wireko-Brobby emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement that the government can feasibly implement.
“We are hopeful that they will accept a proposal that does not strain the government’s resources. I cannot specify a figure at this moment, but we are actively engaged in discussions with them,” Wireko-Brobby stated during the interview.
The negotiations continue amidst the backdrop of economic pressures and the imperative to strike a balance between meeting labour demands and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
