Beginning talks with the government, Organized Labor has suggested a base wage increase of more than 75% for 2024.
On Monday, November 13, when the new negotiation's details got underway, the labor union apparently agreed to compromise for 60% base salary. However, the government has only suggested a 15% increase.
According to the union, the new demand is in line with the increasing cost of living in the country.
In a Monday, November 13, interview with Joy FM's Newsnight, Joshua Ansah, the Deputy General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), discussed the situation and stated that while labor was willing to reduce to 60%, the government rejected the offer.
“When we tabled the 75.1 %, government came with 10% and that is why we reviewed our stance to 60%," he said.
According to him, they hope for something positive to come up and added the labor union will gather to strategize and determine their backup plan.
Speaking on the same broadcast, Bright Wireko-Brobby, the deputy minister of employment and labor relations, urged the labor unions to reevaluate the percentage rise they are requesting.
He stated that although the government sympathizes with the labor unions, they would not want to reach a deal that they could not keep.
"We are praying for them to accept something that won't break the government's back," he stated. We are working with them, so I'm not able to offer you a number right now," he said.
“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" he said.
In response to a question about whether the deal might be achieved before the reading of the 2024 budget, Mr. Ansah stated labor should not be forced to accept any proposal from the government.
