The Minority has opposed the 10% wage increase for public sector workers, calling it inadequate and unacceptable.
The increase in the base pay was announced after negotiations between the Labour Union and President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, February 20, 2024.
However, the Minority argues that the increment will not provide any substantial relief for public sector employees considering the high cost of living.
Speaking on the floor of the House on Friday, February 21, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin highlighted past upward adjustments by the erstwhile NPP government to emphasize the inadequacy of the latest adjustment.
“In 2017, public sector workers enjoyed a 12.5% increase in pay. In 2018, they enjoyed 11%, in 2020 there was a 15% increase, and in 2021 there was a 4% plus an interim premium of 15%. In 2022, there was a 15% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) on the base salary.
“In 2023, there was a 30% increase, and in 2024, there was a 23% increase between January and June and 25% from July to December. Now, we are facing just a 10% increment. The leader of government business must take note and inform the President that these are the numbers he came to meet.
“The ordinary Ghanaian worker has a higher expectation in this 24-hour economy. They have a legitimate expectation that President Mahama will do better. The 10% is unacceptable,” he stated.
In a reaction, the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga indicated that labour is satisfied with the increment, saying their acceptance is a vote of confidence.
“The workers of this country, led by their leaders, gladly accepted the 10% increase. Accepting a 10% increment as against 25% is a vote of confidence in the leader because they have confidence that President John Mahama, when he collects the tax, will not be flying and bathing in the air,” he said.
Source:
3news.com
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