Various groupings under Organised Labour in Ashanti Region yesterday observed this year’s May Day Parade under the theme: “Resetting Pay and Working Conditions in Ghana: The Role of Stakeholders”.
Addressing the parade at the Jubilee Park, Mr. Augustine Apambile Adongo, Regional Secretary, Trade Union Congress (TUC) disclosed that the day honours the invaluable contribution of workers for the economic development of the nation and the world at large.
The Regional Secretary indicated that the theme addresses the challenges facing the Ghanaian worker, noting that this calls for a transformation towards shaping the future of work and the welfare of the Ghanaian worker.
Mr. Adongo indicated that the gap between income and basic survival needs have become wider even before the current economic crisis, adding that the minimum wage of GHC19.97 for eight hours of work is below the said amount.
He further indicated that the minimum wage of the single spine salary structure is only USD47.5 (GHC741) per month as compared to the international poverty line of USD58.05, adding that both minimum wage and main stream earners are struggling to survive due to the prevailing cost of living.
Richard Ofori Agyemang, the Chief Executive of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) touted Organised Labour for their contribution towards the development of the country, adding that the task ahead was a hectic one. He disclosed that the Regional Minister and himself were poised in resetting the city of Kumasi for sustainable growth and development.
The KMA boss disclosed that the theme resonated with the aspirations of hardworking class and future of our nation, noting that the government acknowledges the significance of fair compensation and decent working conditions for the development of the nation. He also entreated workers to meet government halfway by doing what is required of them, and together create wealth for equal distribution.
The Mayor disclosed that John Dramani Mahama administration, through the Minister of Labour, was committed to restructuring single spine pay policy and that it was imperative that stakeholders, relevant institutions and Organised Labour collaborated to create a fair sustainable pay structure that would reflect the economic reality.
He acknowledged and appreciated the role of workers in the nation’s economic growth.
From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi
The post Organised Labour in Ashanti Commemorates May Day appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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