Morgan Ayawine
The General Secretary of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU) Ghana, Morgan Ayawine, has called on the government to implement policies that would alleviate the high cost of living and bring rapid economic relief to the working class.
“I call on the government and all stakeholders in labour, to put in place policies and measures that would ameliorate the prevailing high cost of living, and bring rapid economic relief to the working class and Ghanaians in general,” he said in a May Day statement.
He praised the resilience of workers in the face of daunting economic difficulties, making mention of the challenges of ever-increasing utility bills, high rent, unaffordable food prices, and unbearable medical bills.
“I doff my hat to you, gallant workers of Ghana, for your unflinching resilience over the past years, in the face of daunting economic difficulties, and for tenaciously holding the fort inspite of excruciating economic hardship you have been enduring, where the “take-home” pay of some of you could hardly take you to the door step of your workplace, let alone take you home for you and your families to live dignified lives,” he added
He also urged the government and stakeholders to put in place measures that would amend the prevailing economic hardship, emphasizing the need for job creation and sustainable economic policies.
“I deem it pertinent to mention the re-naming of the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations as the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment. This is quite reassuring and a clear reflection of trade unions’ view for the government to prioritise job creation in its economic policies and accelerate sustainable job creation to meet the urgent needs of the teeming unemployed youth in the country.”
Emphasising the importance of industrial democracy, social partnership, and worker-management relationships, highlighting the need for fair treatment of workers and optimum wages and benefits, he called on employers to adhere to the Collective Agreement and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), ensuring that workers receive their fair share of the wealth they contribute to creating.
“Equally, employers are obligated to ‘play the game by the rule’ so to speak, and ensure that workers are treated fairly in accordance with the dictates of the Collective Agreement and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) and not be short-changed,” he added.
By Vera Owusu Sarpong