Organized Labour has stated its opposition to the government’s proposal of introducing a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) during the upcoming salary negotiations for the next year. Instead, the labor group intends to advocate for an actual increase in the salaries of public sector employees.
COLA is typically granted to government workers as a temporary measure to provide relief when immediate salary adjustments are not feasible.
The reason behind Organized Labour’s rejection of the COLA approach is rooted in its belief that this allowance would not positively impact pension payments and other related benefits.
During a press briefing in Accra, Joshua Ansah, the Deputy General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), emphasized that Organized Labour is determined to push for a substantial salary raise rather than settling for a mere COLA.
“I believe it would not be a prudent choice to pursue a COLA, as it has no bearing on our pension schemes and earnings. Hence, our preference is to directly pursue and secure our rightful remuneration. Additionally, I would like to reiterate that if the government is contemplating engaging with the IMF, we wish to advise that any resulting decisions and stipulations should not negatively impact the minimum wage within our nation. This stance is one we intend to uphold,” he further elaborated.
In a separate development, Organized Labour has declined an offer of a monetary compensation package presented by Sunon Asogli Power Limited. This offer was made as an alternative to reinstating the dismissed local union executives of the Ghana Mineworkers Union of TUC.
Sunon Asogli had proposed a compensation of GH¢1.2 million for the dismissed union leaders, yet this offer has been rebuffed by Organized Labour, which insists on the reinstatement of the union leaders.
Addressing the media, Joshua Ansah, Deputy Secretary General of the TUC, emphasized that Organized Labour is not inclined to “monetize their rights.”
“Our objective is not monetary gain. We are championing the fundamental rights of workers,” Ansah asserted.
He also conveyed disappointment regarding Sunon Asogli’s refusal to reinstate the union leaders, deeming the company’s decision as “unjust.”
Ansah reaffirmed that Organized Labour is resolute in its commitment to advocating for the reinstatement of the union leaders and will persist in its efforts until the appropriate and just decision is reached.
I’m Solomon, the CEO of Voix Of Ghana Media ( VOG MEDIA, and Aristocrat Charity Foundation ( ACF). Aside blogging, I am also a Forester, Philanthropist, a Publicist, and a Promoter.
