Some sections of the public have lamented over the growing spate of strike actions by public sector workers in the country, demanding better working conditions and salaries.
They indicated that government must act swiftly to respond to the demands of public sector workers and restore the hope they have lost due to government’s handling of the matter.
Commenting on the incessant strike and demands by public sector workers, Emily Atakora, a transport consultant, revealed that the various protests, strike and demands by these unions are becoming overwhelming for the country. She indicated that government must resolve to meet their demands before the matter escalates.
“I am of the view that if government wants to see a productive country which mainly thrives on the human resources, then it must ensure it does due diligence in not only acknowledging the concerns of these groups but working things out for them. If government fails to heed to their concerns now, then I am afraid things will not get better in the country.”
Emily Atakora
Justice Sarpong, an IT expert, believes that there must be balance with regards to how labour concerns are addressed in the country. He indicated that is “very sad to see our leaders doing this to the very people who help grow the economy”. Describing the situation as unfair, he noted that the aggrieved unions’ agitations are justified and government must act promptly.
“This is just to show the government that they have the numbers and can potentially put institutional work on hold. For instance, look at the situation with CLOGSAG strike and its demand for neutrality allowance. These public sector workers, even if their demands are not reasonable, so to speak, have by virtue of their strike grounded activities in the public sector.”
Justice Sarpong
Mr Sarpong intimated that if government does not respond to the demands and negotiate, this will “just be the beginning” of more strikes ahead.
“If the government does not react to their plea for help things might escalate. Cost of living is going high on a daily basis and it’s affecting every pocket in this country. The salaries we could have lived on a year ago means nothing currently due to inflation in the country. For any well-meaning government, the concerns of the people should be a priority.”
Justice Sarpong
Public sector urged to give government time to resolve issues
On his part, Bismark Okyere, an entrepreneur, stated that although the government has “a lot of responsibilities on its shoulder” and it cannot “sweep them under a rag”, workers must also be conscious of the fact that “nobody is in normal times”.
“The demands of the public sector workers are legitimate but they must understand the current plight of government. Government is doing its best to find solutions to their concerns. Recently, after persistent threats of strike by PRINCOF, government has finally come out to expend some GHS67 million to them. So, I believe that gradually these issues will be addressed. All that government needs is time to address them and pulbic sector workers must understand that.”
Bismark Okyere
Meanwhile, Edward Baafi, a civil engineer, emphasized the need for public sector workers to consider the interest of the country first. He revealed that although their current predicament may not be the best, government on negotiating with them, will need time to execute their demands.
“These are legitimate concerns from these workers because we are all in this country and we know what is happening. Nobody can pretend things are not difficult, but government equally requires a consensus with people who will understand and give them time to change things. It may not be immediate, but government will work on it eventually. That notwithstanding, government must respond to their needs as early as possible.”
Edward Baafi
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