The National Officers of the Public Sector Workers Union (PSWU), of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling for calm among members of the umbrella body as renewed negotiations with government are ongoing to resolve the issue of low wages within the public sector.
The assurance was given when leadership met on Monday, May 10, to dispatch with the business of the union. The concern of members about delays in negotiations of the National Minimum Wage (NMW), and Base Pay for the year was central to the issues discussed at the meeting. This is against the background of recent tax increments and hikes in levies and fuel prices, which undoubtedly have been a major contributory factor to the rising cost of living, thus increasing pressure on the relatively low wages within the sector.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Bernard Adjei, and copied to National Executive Council Members as well as its staff, Divisional and Branch Executives raised valid points indicating its resolve and true commitment to the resolution of the National Executive Council, NEC passed on March 4, 2021, relating to the subject matter.
The statement stressed that though the call for the meeting involving the National Tripartite Committee to commence negotiations on the minimum wage is quite debatable, negotiations are currently underway following the level of displeasure expressed during the May Day Celebrations, with particular reference to the union’s inability to assure salary increases for 2021.
It said leadership attaches great importance to the clarion call and has to that effect met to discuss concerns for immediate redress. For the emphasis of clarity, all the umbrella unions of the PSWU unanimously demanded an increment in salaries, same of which was communicated on May 6, 2021, to the Secretary-General of the TUC, a position which is expected to reflect in all engagements with government and other key stakeholders.
PSWU per the proposed salary increment is working with the leadership of the said public-sector unions within the TUC to press home its demands with the expectation that the issues will be resolved and concluded at the shortest possible time.
It is by this assurance calling on members to remain composed while it takes steps to pursue these concerns in furtherance of NECs position.
Story filed by Isaac Asare.