General News of Thursday, 18 June 2009

Source: GNA

Government urged to initiate comprehensive salary structure for workers

Bolgatanga, June 18, GNA - Government has been urged to come out with a more comprehensive salary structure for workers in the country to enable them to cope with the current economic difficulties. Mr. Richard Asueme, Industrial Relations Officer, Upper East Region branch of Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), made the call at the celebration of the Union's 50th anniversary, in Bolgatanga on Wednesday.

He said it was not easy for workers to survive under the economic situation and cited high rate of inflation and public utility tariffs. Mr. Asueme appealed to government to make a better salary arrangement for workers while the authorities took steps to implement the proposed Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP).

He said "Government and Stakeholders must be pro-active and fair with workers in dealing with salaries and conditions of service of workers".

Mr. Asueme appealed to workers to work harder to increase productivity while government initiated measures to improve their salaries and conditions of service.

He called for a peaceful industrial atmosphere towards increased productivity and urged management of various organisations to respect the dignity of workers.

Mr. Asueme noted that the Union had contributed to the socio-economic development of the country and asked government not down play its role.

He said the Union had worked hard to ensure the safety of workers at work places.

Mr. Asueme said that the PSWU of the TUC had built a guest house in Kumasi and intended to put up some in Tema and the Brong Ahafo region, which would be replicated in all the regional capitals. Mr. Augustine Adongo, Regional Secretary of TUC, appealed to members of the Union to attend meetings regularly and to remain united to enable them to fight for their rights.