Atik Mohammed, Policy Analyst of the People’s National Convention (PNC) has backed the Trade Unions Congress’ call to face government boot, for boot if they insist on freezing their salary increment.
A statement signed by the General Secretary of the TUC, Kofi Asamoah, described as ‘insensitive’ and ‘strange’ government’s proposal to freeze salaries of workers.
The Minister of Finance, Mr. Seth Terkper, presenting a policy statement on Ghana’s economy on the floor of parliament, indicated that government is considering placing a moratorium on increases in public sector salaries this year.
“This is unthinkable and unacceptable. We would like to warn government that Organised Labour would do whatever it takes to resist such policies, with particular reference to the so-called moratorium on public sector wage increase,” TUC responded.
Atik Mohammed who seconded the TUC’s action said in a panel discussion on ‘Kokrokoo’ that Mr. Terkper’s proposal is a clear indication that government has lost focus, adding that the TUC is justified in their action.
“…it is in the right direction that they have taken such a stand; they deserve it…this excuse of not having money is beyond my comprehension. I do not know the economic modules and theories this administration is using; everything is in a mess…The bottom line is that this government has no direction…I don’t know what the Ministry of finance was thinking about before coming up with such a proposal….most of the subsidies from government that support workers, have been removed and so how do they want workers to survive when their pay is not going to be increased? This is putting a lot of pressure on workers,” Atik Mohammed said.