Deputy General Secretary of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, has described this year’s negotiation with government on public workers base pay increment as one of the toughest yet.

According to him, the union worked collaboratively and in close interaction with workers to ensure they get the best deal. He revealed that the union’s continuous commitment to getting a better offer for the average worker has yielded results.

“We’ve always been in touch with the grassroots. You see this year’s negotiation has been one of the toughest negotiations we’ve had and that means we had to carry our people along with whatever decision that we make. From day one, we carried our people along [and] that is why we have overwhelming support from all workers of this very country…”
Joshua Ansah

Commenting on the impact of the increment on government’s coffers considering the current economic meltdown, the TUC deputy general secretary stated that whether “there’s a gloomy picture of the country or whatever”, the union has managed to reach an agreement on this year’s base pay. Owing to this, he emphasized the need to move on.

“There’s no need celebrating and discussing and saying so many stuffs about that. We have actually gone through hell in achieving that percentage.”
Joshua Ansah

Despite the grueling nature in negotiation with government, Mr Ansah expressed delight over the increment of base pay to 30% for workers of the country. He stated that there is the need to appreciate whatever has happened during negotiation and move on from there.

“We are happy that we have been able to arrive at a conclusion on this agreement and at the end of the month, workers will have something. I think we should all appreciate what has happened and move on as a country and as workers of this country… “
Joshua Ansah

Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has revealed that the 30% salary increment for public sector workers will affect government’s purse. He indicated that even though the agreement will benefit workers, it will have an impact on government’s 2023 budget.

“This is going to take a toll on the budget. But I’m confident that with enhanced productivity and the commitments that both parties have given to each other to make sure that there’s peace in this country as we look at pension issues, labour issues, I think we’ve come to a satisfied conclusion.”
Ken Ofori-Atta

Negotiation of base pay between organised labour and government

Prior to this, Employment Minister, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, on January 12, 2023, announced that the base pay has been increased by 30% for the 2023 financial year. He further noted that the increment brings to an end the 2022 COLA of 15% of base pay salary.

At the beginning of negotiations for the base pay, Organised Labour demanded a 60% percent increment and refused to back down on its demand despite several engagements with government. After refusing government’s initial proposal of 18%, the public sector workers decided to reduce their initial 60% demand to 58%.

However, after its last negotiation with government which included Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, Organised Labour agreed to a 30% increase in the base pay although they had vowed not to back down on their demand.

At the end of the engagement, the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Yaw Baah, expressed gratitude to government for this new development. He stated that the 30% even though it is not what the union desires, will create that opportunity for “us to speak one language to work together”.