Negotiations between Organised Labour and the government reached a critical juncture as the former proposed a substantial 75% increment in base pay for the fiscal year 2024. The driving force behind this demand lies in the imperative to offset the escalating cost of living within the country.
Commencing the negotiation dialogue on Monday, November 13, reports indicate that the labour union initially settled for a 60% base pay increase. In contrast, the government’s counterproposal stood at a modest 15% increment.
In an interview on Joy FM, Joshua Ansah, Deputy General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), shed light on the negotiations asserting that despite Organised Labour’s willingness to compromise down to 60%, government purportedly rejected the offer.
“When we tabled the 75.1%, government came with 10%… that is why we reviewed our stance to 60%,” explained Mr. Ansah.
The current developments set the stage for a critical juncture in the negotiation process, with both parties standing firm on their respective positions. As discussions resume on Tuesday, November 14, the labour union is poised to strategize and determine its fallback position.
Addressing the potential timing of an agreement, Mr. Ansah emphasized that the impending 2024 budget reading should not pressure labour into accepting any proposal from the government.
In response, Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Bright Wireko-Brobby, appealed to the labour union to reconsider its percentage increase demand. While acknowledging the government’s acknowledgement of the union’s plight, Mr Wireko-Brobby underscored the importance of an agreement that the government can fulfill without undue strain.
“We are praying for them to accept something that will not break the back of the government. For me, I cannot give a figure to you now, but we are working with them,” noted Wireko-Brobby, highlighting the ongoing collaborative efforts to bridge the gap between the two negotiating entities.
