TIG Post

Tag: Trades Union Congress (TUC)

  • TUC declares strike effective July 10

    TUC declares strike effective July 10

    The Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), has declared an industrial strike effective Monday, July 10, 2023.

    This stems from the failure of Sunon Asogli Power Ghana to rescind its decision concerning some members of the Union who worked with the company.

    The Secretary General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, has voiced his disappointment with the management of Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited for backtracking on their stance during negotiations.

    Despite previous signs of progress, the power company’s management has returned to their original position, leaving organized labor disheartened.

    Dr. Yaw Baah expressed his disappointment, saying, “I should say we are very disappointed. When we left here on [Wednesday], we were hopeful that [on Thursday] we would reach a deal. We were ready to provide everything that management had requested,” 3news.com quoted

    Dr. Yaw Baah continued, stating that they had reported their progress to the National Labour Commission, believing that they were close to a resolution. However, their hopes were dashed when the meeting did not progress as expected.

    As a result, Dr. Yaw Baah announced, “What that means is that our notice holds that on Monday, July 10, all workers under Organised Labour will stay at home.”

    Despite the setback, Dr. Yaw Baah mentioned that labour leadership remains open to amicable resolution attempts by the management of Sunon Asogli Power until Sunday.

    Organized Labour firmly supports three union leaders who were dismissed by the management of Sunon Asogli Power for joining a union within the company.

    Dr. Yaw Baah emphasized that it is every worker’s right to join a union and called for the reinstatement of the three affected individuals.

  • TUC demands immediate reinstatement of dismissed Sunon Asogli staff

    TUC demands immediate reinstatement of dismissed Sunon Asogli staff

    Some members of organized labour have gathered at Kpone in the Greater Accra Region to protest the dismissal of three workers at Sunon Asogli Power.

    This follows the expiry of an ultimatum given by the unions for the company to reinstate the workers whose contracts were allegedly terminated on the basis that they joined the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union.

    The aggrieved members of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) were clad in red and black attires.

    The union members further hoisted placards and banners including chanting of songs geared towards pressuring the management into overturning its decision.

    During the 2023 National May Day Parade, Secretary General of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah indicated that his outfit has already notified the Police in Tema about its intention to embark on the first solidarity action against the Chinese company.

    This morning, hundreds of the members are at the company’s premises demanding that their colleagues are brought back.

    On May 4, the Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) described as factual inaccuracies, misrepresentations and fabrication, a statement put out by the company captioned, “Sunon Asogli’s position on Matters Relating to Unionization.”

    The Ghana Mine Workers’ Union said, together with the workers of Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited, it went through the necessary legal processes to acquire a Collective Bargaining Certificate that empowers the union to represent and negotiate with the company on behalf of the workers.

    “At every material time during the unionization process, the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union did not only adopt the procedure and approach required by the law, but it also worked collaboratively with regulatory institutions of the state including the Labour Department of Ghana”, the statement added.

    The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union and the TUC say they will not tolerate employers who are out there to suppress and oppress the rights and liberties of workers.

  • DDEP: We won’t go contrary to existing MoU with government – TUC

    DDEP: We won’t go contrary to existing MoU with government – TUC

    Ghana’s Trades Union Congress (TUC) has given the assurance that it won’t go contrary to its agreement with the government regarding

    Deputy Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, Joshua Ansah, reiterated labour’s opposition to government’s proposition to include pension funds in the debt exchange programme.

    He stated that during the first round of domestic debt exchange programme, the government and labour unions had signed a memorandum of understanding exempting the pension funds of labour unions from the exchange programme.

    He noted that as far as labour unions are concerned, the terms of the MoU are still valid and must prevail in this reintroduction of the debt exchange programme targeting their pension funds.

    According to Joshua Ansah, labour unions will remain unyielding in their opposition to the inclusion of their pension funds and have instead called on the government to implement the strategies labour suggested as an alternate solution to raising and saving money for the government.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, he said, “Labour Unions in Ghana know only one thing, and that thing is that there has been an MoU signed between us and the government represented by the Finance Ministry and the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations that pensions funds have been exempted from this exercise. That is all what we know.

    “We will not do anything contrarily to the already existing MoU between us and the government represented by the Finance Ministry. Yes, we have signed an MoU and we said in that MoU that labour would assist government in finding the best way in also raising some funds in this very exercise.”

    Speaking about labour’s suggestions to government, he said government has largely turned a deaf ear to their proposals.

    “While we said that was that, we have a lot of suggestions we have made to the government. Anytime we make a suggestion to the government aside the pensions, it’s like that suggestion is a no-go area for the government. One we said that the size of the government is too big and government must try everything to reduce the size of government to make some savings over there.

    “Two, we said that there are some expenditure that goes waste in this very country and government must check that one also. We said that government functionaries are not sacrificing enough. Always workers sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice, but we don’t see that from the government.

    “We also said that if you’re able to collect taxes effectively in this very country, there’ll be no need for us to go to IMF for any bailout. It’s like we have not looked inside our own country and check what can we do to overcome these challenges. But because there’s something that is easy way to go like the workers’ pensions, I think government is focusing too much on the workers’ pensions,” he said.

  • Single spine has failed – TUC

    Single spine has failed – TUC

    The Deputy Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Joshua Ansah, has criticised the Single Spine Salary Structure; describing it as a failure.

    He says the policy has totally failed to achieve its objective.

    The Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) is one of the major components of the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP) introduced by the Government of Ghana and got implemented in 2010, to regulate the payment of public service workers especially those under article 190 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

    It was meant to address the pay disparities within the sector.

    However, following a 2022 Ghana Statistical Service report, it has been revealed that the pay gap has rather widened over time. Currently, the highest earner on the Single Spine Structure is receiving 81 times what the lowest earner is receiving.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Joshua Ansah noted that it was time for the policy to be relooked at comprehensively to ensure that the situation is remedied.

    “I’ll say it has totally failed to achieve its objective that was set for the single spine salary structure. A lot of things go wrong and we think that we need to relook at the single spine pay straucture which I think a committee has been put in place to look at. But there are so many things and so many factors that has actually resulted in the low incomes for workers in this very country.

    “And I think that it is time for us to actually relook and check what went wrong, what has gone wrong and why is it that we’re unable to achieve the objective for which the single spine salary which was to be the panacea for pay disparities in this country is not achieving.

    “So I think that it has not achieved its purpose and we think that we need to relook at it holistically, otherwise this problem is going to persist every day, now and then,” he said.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Prioritize single mothers in distribution – TUC boss on National Rental Assistance Scheme

    Prioritize single mothers in distribution – TUC boss on National Rental Assistance Scheme

    The Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana, Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, has appealed for single mothers to be highly considered in the new National Rental Assistance Scheme.

    Speaking during the launch of the Scheme in Accra, the TUC boss explained that there is the need for such people to be given premium treatment in the distribution of such national initiatives.

    He stressed that while initiatives like this are important, they should really be implemented in the national scope as they are designed, and not limited to only a few parts of the country.

    “I’ll want to urge the implementing agency and the ministry that, the TUC will always be there to support this project. We are always willing to help secure accommodation, not only accommodation, but decent accommodation to all workers.

    “So, we want to urge you to, as quickly as possible, extend this to all the regions because when you do something and you call it National Rental Assistance Scheme and you limit it to regions – not all the 16 regions, it’s a little problematic. It doesn’t matter how many you support in a region; I think you should try and do that,” he said.

    Dr. Anthony Baah further added that in the case of single mothers, it becomes a better deal when they are offered such opportunities, more than when it is offered to others who do not necessarily have dependents.

    “I also want to appeal to the ministry and all those who access the application, let’s prioritize women, especially mothers with children and without husbands; the single mothers. You see, if you provide accommodation to a single mother who has two children, it’s much better than providing accommodation for others who have no children. I’m saying this because of the experience I’ve gathered,” he added.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Exempt pension funds from debt exchange programme or we’ll advise ourselves – TUC

    The government should exempt pension funds from its current Debt Exchange Program, according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC) (DEP).

    The TUC claims that its leadership has examined the scheme and recognized how detrimental it is to the pensions of its members.

    As a result, it has given the government one week to remove all pension money from the program.

    The General-Secretary of the TUC, Anthony Yaw Baah, stated the following at a press conference held in Accra on Monday, December 12, 2022: “According to the Minister for Finance, the Domestic Debt Operation, as they call it, involves an exchange for new Ghana Bonds with coupons of a longer average maturity.

    “Existing Domestic Bonds as of 1st December 2022, will be exchanged for a set of four new bonds maturing in 2027, 2029, 2032, and 2037. Somebody said the government is shifting economic stability to 2037.”

    The TUC General-Secretary noted that: “The annual coupon on all these new bonds will be set at 0 percent in 2023, 5 percent in 2024 and 10 percent from 2025 until till maturity.

    “We’re talking about inflation of 40.4percent and you’re fixing coupon rates at 0percent, 5 percent and 10percent.”

    He quizzed: “So if your coupon rate is 5percent, after 6 months do you know how much they’ll pay you, 2.5 percent.”

    Referring to the TUC’s earlier press statement rejecting government’s debt exchange programme, the TUC General-Secretary stressed that upon a thorough analysis of the programme, the leadership of the union spotted some deficiencies.

    “The programme will negatively affect pension funds of our members and consequently, their retirement income security. Already, pension is low and we will have thought that our government will do everything to protect even the small pension that we have, instead, they are introducing programmes inspired by IMF, to cut further, pension incomes and as we used to say, ‘We no go sit down,’ the TUC General-Secretary stated.

    The General Secretary continued that: “The TUC and all our affiliates, have decided and this is a very firm decision that the pension fund of our members will not be part of the domestic debt exchange programme.”

    He disclosed that the union haS sent a letter to the Minister of Finance to demand that: “All pension funds invested in government bonds should be completely exempted from the debt exchange programme.

    “Within one week from today, government should publicly announce that all pension funds including SSNIT are exempted from the debt exchange programme.”

    He added: “If government fails to accede to our demand, within one week, we’ll advice ourselves.”

  • TUC opposes Public Sector employment freeze

    The government’s proposal to freeze employment in the Civil and Public services in 2023 has angered the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

    The TUC thinks the ruling is unjust because the government vowed not to do it.

    In his presentation of the 2023 budget statement on Thursday, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta highlighted the government’s decision as one of several steps to rein in the spiraling public spending.

    On Friday, Deputy TUC General Secretary, Joshua Ansah said TUC is disappointed in government for that decision.

    “I am really disappointed about the freeze of employment in the civil and public services in 2023, because this is something that the TUC has spoken about it all this while. When the IMF team came to this country, we had the opportunity to meet with them and one of the issues we raised with them is about the freeze of employment that always becomes their conditionality anytime they access their programme, we were assured that that was not going to happen,” he stated.

    Mr. Ansah noted that the TUC will discuss this issue with its Social Welfare Committee and respond appropriately.

    Meanwhile, government has introduced a number of measures to cut its expenditure for the year 2023.

    Below is the full text of implementation of the Cabinet directives on expenditure measures

    Mr Speaker, as a first step toward expenditure rationalisation, Government has approved the following directives which take effect from January 2023:

    • All MDAs, MMDAs and SOEs are directed to reduce fuel allocations to Political Appointees and heads of MDAs, MMDAs and SOEs by 50%. This directive applies to all methods of fuel allocation including coupons, electronic cards, chit systems, and fuel depots. Accordingly, 50% of the previous year’s (2022) budget allocation for fuel shall be earmarked for official business pertaining to MDAs, MMDAs and SOES;

    • A ban on the use of V8s/V6s or its equivalent except for cross-country travel. All government vehicles would be registered with GV green number plates from January 2023;

    • Limited budgetary allocation for the purchase of vehicles. For the avoidance of doubt, the purchase of new vehicles shall be restricted to locally assembled vehicles;

    • Only essential official foreign travel across government including SOEs shall be allowed. No official foreign travel shall be allowed for board members.

    Accordingly, all government institutions should submit a travel plan for the year 2023 by mid-December of all expected travels to the Chief of Staff;

    • As far as possible, meetings and workshops should be done within the official environment or government facilities;

    • Government-sponsored external training and Staff Development activities at the Office of the President, Ministries and SOEs must be put on hold for the 2023 financial year;

    • Reduction of expenditure on appointments including salary freezes together with suspension of certain allowances like housing, utilities and clothing, etc.;

    • A freeze on new tax waivers for foreign companies and review of tax exemptions for the free zone, mining, oil and gas companies;

    • A hiring freeze for civil and public servants

    • No new government agencies shall be established in 2023;

    • There shall be no hampers for 2022;

    • There shall be no printing of diaries, notepads, calendars and other promotional merchandise by MDAs, MMDAs and SOEs for 2024;

    • All non-critical projects must be suspended for the 2023 Financial year.

  • TEWU holds breast cancer awareness workshop for members

    Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana has sensitised its members on breast cancer.

    The day’s workshop, held in Tamale on Thursday, emphasised the need for breast screening among women for early detection and management to enhance productivity.

    It also formed part of TEWU’s contribution to the globally celebrated “breast cancer awareness month”, marked every October, to reduce the impact that breast cancer had on women’s potentials.

    Participants, who were drawn from the five regions in the north, were educated on how to prevent, and detect breast cancer and had their breasts screened as well.

    Madam Mainatu Goodman, Nurse in-charge of the Onchology Unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, who spoke during the event, urged women to self-examine their breasts every month, a week after menstruation, to ensure there were no abnormalities.

    She said bloody discharges from the nipple and change in skin colour of the breasts were signs of breast cancer, which should be reported for treatment.

    She encouraged women to seek medical attention early when they felt lumps in their breasts, adding that treatment became relatively difficult when the lumps grew bigger.

    Mr Ambrose Yao Kwadzodza, National Chairman of TEWU, said breast cancer awareness was a vital topic, which needed attention throughout the year, and not only in October.

    He advised men to get involved in activities of breast cancer education, saying, “Educating men on breast cancer screening will inform them to encourage women to embrace early detection.”

    Madam Salamatu Braimah Mahama, National Vice Chairperson of TEWU, admonished participants to attach importance to breast cancer lessons and avail themselves for screening.

    She said “There is no need to be afraid to undergo breast screening. The screening is not meant to breed fear but to help detect cancer early for treatment.”

    Source: GNA

  • TUC objects increment of utility tariffs; says it is unacceptable at this time

    The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has expressed dissatisfaction over the increment of utility tariffs as announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

    According to them, the decision is “unacceptable” due to the current economic hardships facing the country.

    In an interview with the media, the Deputy Secretary General of the Congress, Mr Joshua Ansah, disclosed that leadership of his outfit had objected to the decision. However, it appears their plight fell on deaf ears.

    “We told PURC and the utility service providers that in this day and time that inflation is on the high side, where the economic situation is unbearable for workers in this country, we think that any decision of any increment in utilities should have been suspended.

    “We told them our piece of mind, but I think that they did not bother and have gone ahead to increase utilities,” Mr Joshua Ansah, the Deputy Secretary General of the TUC, said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Bolgatanga.

    He said the increment would put pressure on members of the TUC, noting that, “this is the time we are also negotiating the minimum wage and the base pay, so you can imagine what is going to happen. At the moment, workers cannot bear the economic hardship in this country.

    “As a union, we think that is unacceptable. We will also do our best to get a salary increase that does not fall below any of the increases announced by the government. We are ready to do that.”

    “If Government has gone ahead to increase utilities, fuel prices and anything that it wants when we also get to the negotiation table, that is where we will also base all our might on,” the Deputy Secretary General said.

    He said once the announcement for increment was made, there was nothing TUC could do, but emphasized that “We will also marshal all forces and ensure that we get salary increases that will march increases announced by the utility service providers.”

    He said the increment was not business friendly as indicated by the PURC and described it as “killer increases” announced to workers of the country and reiterated that workers would not accept salary increments below those increases.

    Mr Ansah said the TUC earlier announced that it would not accept anything below the inflation figure even before the Cost-of-Living Allowance (CoLA) became an issue, and further emphasised that the TUC would not accept anything below the inflation rate.

    He explained that “We accepted the 15 per cent because there is a hurdle ahead of us, that is the base pay, and the minimum wage for 2023, but they have worsened the situation. Even currently, workers are suffering. We have sacrificed for far too long.”

    The Deputy Secretary General called on workers to be patient and have trust in the leadership of the TUC, and rally behind them to fight a good course for the ordinary Ghanaian worker.

    Source: GNA