General News of Saturday, 19 April 2003

Source: .

Workers Warn Govt On Proposed Deductions

The Techiman District Council of Labour has called on the government not to tamper with workers' wages under the National Health Insurance Scheme. Government has proposed to deduct two-and-a-half percent from workers contributions to the SSNIT pension scheme for the Health Insurance Scheme, but the council has rejected the proposal.

The council says SSNIT contributions are solely meant for the retirement of workers and not health insurance schemes. A six-point resolution adopted at the first quarter meeting urged government to find alternate means of paying for health insurance. The Council stressed the need for the government to come out with a date for the national debate on the national income policy without any further delay.