General News of Monday, 11 March 2002

Source: gna

Workers disappointed as govt keeps mute on new minimum wage

Mr Kofi Asamoah, Deputy Secretary-General (Operations) the Trades Union Congress (TUC), on Friday declared workers' disappointment at the government's delay in determining the minimum wage and the restoration of the End of Service Benefits (ESB).

''The delay brings into question whether the government attaches any importance to the plight of workers who have contributed to the economic gains it has so far made''.

Addressing the Volta Region Executive Council Meeting at Ho, Mr Asamoah called on the government to give equal attention to workers, who have contributed to the stability of the cedi and other economic strides of the government.

"For purposes of equity government should not merely call for national debate on incomes of workers but ensure that agreements reached were respected". On the ESB, Mr Asamoah said the negotiations for its restoration had reached the Tripartite Committee level and wondered why some people should be enjoying it and the mass of the people should not.

He also called on the workers to take interest in all aspects of democratic governance of the country to enable public office holders live up to expectation. Mr Asamoah advised workers to involve themselves in the activities of their communities and to contest the district assembly elections.

He announced that the TUC was considering the establishment of Trade Union Schools in the regions to step up the education of the workers in leadership and communication skills. Mr Asamoah advised employers to draw-up pre-retirement programmes to prepare their workers well before they started their retirement.