Workers urged not to be content with low wages

General News of Wednesday, May 1st, 2019

Source: ghananewsagency.org

2019-05-01

The members of the employment clbad were urged not to settle for low wages and larger allowances, as this practice ultimately affects their end-of-service benefits.

In fact, the SSNIT contributions were calculated on what appears on the contributor's pay slip and on the lowest wage settlement, can contribute to a low end-of-service allowance, a lump sum or any other form of benefits. .

Mr. Kwamena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Regional Minister of the West, said the following at the regional celebration of May 1 on the theme: "Viable pensions for all: the role of the social partners".

Often, formal sector workers have had the burden and the trouble of retiring with little compensation from their contributions to the SSNIT, which has not been able to support them adequately.

The minister said the government is ready to liaise with unions and all relevant stakeholders to chart a positive path on the labor front.

Mr. Samuel Kweku Doughan, TUC Regional Secretary, lamented some unfair labor practices and called on the government to reorganize the Labor Commission so that it regularly monitors the industry in order to put an end to to these practices.

"Some workers are being denied paid annual leave, paid sick leave and even overtime, while some women are victims of unnecessary discrimination in the workplace," he added.

TUC Boss stated that it was high time for resource-based government institutions to promote the welfare of workers to enforce the rules or to decide on labor issues, in order to ensure front health.

The review of labor legislation, he said, has also become critical for reflecting on realities on the ground, stating: "We submit a proposal to the tripartite committee for action".

With regard to the SSNIT and retirement allowances, the regional TUC said that of the 13 million workers, 11 million did not have access to social security.

He said low coverage, inadequate retirement benefits, discrimination against women were just some of the challenges facing unionized workers, a situation that needs immediate attention. .

"Indeed, the unions have engaged the board of directors of SSNIT and we are progressing well," he added.

The workers were carrying placards some of which were: "Improving Rural Water Supply", "We want a full contract for the completion of the Western Railways", " No review, no Meridian port service, "GPHA's Meridian Port Services", "Workers deserve better", "a 10% salary increase is not enough", among others.