By Nana Kofi Hammah
chamzblog@gmail.com
Labor agitations have been rife over the past few weeks following demands by the Civil and Local Government (CLOSSAG) sit-down strike for a pending allowance termed ‘Neutrality Allowance’. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) however has also served notice to embark on a historic industrial action if there is no raise in their salaries pecked at the inflation rate. TUC has also given notice of a possible boycott of the celebration on May Day. Mr. Joe Jackson, a Financial Expert, speaking on GBC’s Current Affairs program ‘FOCUS’ urged the government to consider a broader stakeholder consultation with an honest approach using a third party that all Labor Unions can trust so that the seeming turbulence can calm down. He said, “listening to the Unions gives the indication there is mistrust amongst them and these salvos flying across the Unions if not addressed can turn into a bitter war”.
Mr. Jackson however believes the government finds itself in this situation because it has not been forthcoming with the truth about the real State of the Public Coffers. He reiterated his opinion that the Ghanaian economy is “BROKE” but not “POOR” and explained that “if a country like ours continues to spend beyond our means, then bankruptcy is imminent”. He said this is the true State which is making the government unable to meet the demands of the Worker Unions. Hence, if the government can cut down on their excessive expenditure and engage the Labor front in honesty some consensus would be reached.
King Opey of the Federation of Labor, also affirmed the Unions position that the workers were justified in their demands, considering the high cost of commodities on the market now. He said “looking at the high raise in salaries by the Executive and the 4% and 7% given to workers means the workers have endured and sacrificed enough”, and noted it was the right time to demand their deserved share of the national cake.
Edward Kareweh, General Secretary of the General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU) of TUC, also speaking on the program, disagreed with the assertion that the economy is broke. He noted that “because of the open profligacy exhibited by those in government. It cannot be said that the economy is broke”. He said, “we see how government personnel that we know before getting into government and within 2years are able to drive in expensive cars and live lavishly, yet after so many years of service we can’t boast of such luxuries”. Mr. Kareweh however called for the equal distribution of the country’s resources.
May Day also known as Worker’s Day or International worker’s day commemorates the historic struggles and achievements made by workers and the labor movement. The activity is used as a platform for workers to table their concerns on their Conditions of Service for the government (employers) consideration. The government has however assured the Worker Unions that they will be paid what is due them by October 2022. But the name ‘Neutrality’ is subject to change.
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