By Elorm Yao Aryee
Organized Labour Unions of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in the Volta Region have urged the government to provide better conditions of service for civil and public sector workers to enable them to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
At this year’s May Day celebration in the region held at the Ho Jubilee Park, Workers from the various Organized Labour groups and Executives of the Trades Union Congress bemoaned that government has over the years paid lips service to the welfare of Ghanaian workers who are the fulcrum of the country’s development.
The workers earlier paraded through the principal streets of the Ho Municipality to express their displeasure over the poor Conditions of Service Ghanaian Workers have had to endure over the years despite the sacrifices and contributions towards the growth of the economy.
During the march past, members of the various Organized Labor Unions held placards some of which read, “Review the Single Spine Pay Policy”, We will not accept salary increment below the rate of inflation, Workers need living wage not minimum wage, Ghanaian workers cannot sacrifice alone for Covid-19, Cost of living is killing us” among others.
The Acting Volta Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, Gordon Bodza bemoaned the increase in prices of goods, services and Utility Bills have been a major challenge to the survival of Workers and their families.
He said the introduction of new taxes such as the E-Levy will have a ripple effect on the incomes of workers hence, the need for the government to adjust the meagre salaries of Civil and Public Servants to enable them to cater for themselves and their families.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa expressed the government’s commitment at enhancing the Conditions of Service and Pensions of especially Civil and Public servants.
To achieve this he disclosed that government has began processes to review the Single Spine Pay Policy to meet the demands of workers in the current dispensation.
“Government remains committed to improving the working conditions of all, especially those in the Public Sector. The remuneration of workers is also being considered. To this end, steps are being taken to have the Single Spine Salary Structure reviewed.
Government is also committed to ensuring a suitable pension for all pensioners and will continue to compensate them appropriately for their service to country.
We have and will also continue to ensure prudent management of the Tier One contributions of workers to guarantee good investment and returns on the investment of pension funds. Let me assure you that the Government will work assiduously towards protecting the rights and interests of workers to fully utilize your potential to contribute to nation building”, Dr. Letsa said.
Some workers who distinguished themselves within the year in review were rewarded for their contribution to the development of Ghana.
