In the quest to cushion workers against the increasing cost of living, the Trade Unions Congress (TUC), has called on the government to give public sector workers a 20% cost of living allowance (COLA).
According to the TUC, this will help to sustain public sector workers across the country.
Speaking at this year’s May Day Celebration at the Black Star Square, the General Secretary of the TUC, Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, also called for an overhaul of the government’s single spine salary structure, removal of petroleum taxes and an increase in the minimum wage to offer relief to the public sector workforce.
“I will like to conclude with a very special request to you. Given the rising cost of living, we will like to humbly appeal to you, to use your executive powers to grant a cost of living allowance of at least 20% to all public service workers.
“Here, I’m not talking only about those on single spine. I’m also talking about the Armed Forces, the Police Service, the Prison Service, the Immigration Service, the Fire Service and all the security and intelligence agencies.
“The cost of living allowance must also be extended to workers in the private sector who’re earning just GH¢365 per month”, he told President Akufo-Addo who graced the event.
“We also expect that this will be extended to all those pensioners on the SSNIT scheme who’re earning just GH¢300 a month,” he added.
According to him, the COLA will both cushion workers and pensioners from the harsh effects of inflation, and more importantly, prevent mass poverty in this country amongst the working people, who’re contributing so much to the development of our country”.
Dr. Baah bemoaned the increasing cost of living in the country, and wondered why Ghanaians continue to suffer, despite the country’s assets.
“Mr. President, Ghanaians are suffering too much. This is not the country that was envisaged by our leaders who fought with their tears and blood to gain independence for us,” he stressed.
By Edmund Mingle /www.adrdaily.com