A labor expert, Seth Abloso, has intimated that the looming strike by the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) should be attributed to government’s lack of action.
Speaking on the hint made by CLOGSAG to embark on a strike come January 20, 2022, he stated that although he can’t justify their action, their concerns need to be appreciated because civil servants are among the lowest paid in this country.
Seth Abloso averred that although CLOGSAG has indicated that they are taking steps to declare a strike, they haven’t declared a strike yet and as such the issue must be addressed to prevent the strike.
“I’m not blaming both parties but the inactions from government in addressing the disparities involved or giving clear indication that it is taking steps to address the disparities in earnings in the public service. This is what is causing some of the issues”.
Seth Abloso
According to CLOGSAG, a committee was formed including CLOGSAG, the senior minister , employment and labor relations, the head of civil service, the local government service and the fair wages and salary commission for deliberation on its salary structure.
The Association stated that the salary structure that was proposed was sent to the ministry of finance, about a year ago but the ministry of finance is yet to give its comments on the salary structure.
Negotiation needed
Commenting on the need for negotiation, Mr. Seth Abloso stated that negotiation is most needed to settle the current matter. He suggested that it is important that CLOGSAG be invited to get back to the table and its employer “need to show good faith during the negotiation”.
“They said they have been negotiating for more than a year. It’s completely unacceptable. If you find the period when they are negotiating and…where they are now, then you find that clearly, certain sections of the [labor] acts haven’t been followed”.
Seth Abloso
The labor expect posited that the issue of disparity in earning and additionally low salaries and wages in the report they presented in January 2020 must be addressed.
“You find in the report where they urged government to bridge the gap between the highest paid public servant in the country and the committee even proposed a roadmap to deal with that”.
Seth Abloso
CLOGSAG Strike
CLOGSAG has hinted on plans to embark on a strike form January 20, 2022 after an announcement at its end of year meeting with its members.
Executive Secretary of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), Dr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, disclosed that the Association will embark on a nationwide strike to demand better conditions of service.
According to him, the failure of the Finance Ministry to communicate on their proposed salary structure which was sent to the Finance Ministry with over a year of constant reminders, makes the association feel rejected and is left with no option other than to embark on the strike action.
Mr Addo explained that CLOGSAG has realized that all other services had an enhanced salary structure apart from the civil service and demands same is done for them.
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