ENSURING INDUSTRIAL HARMONY (JANUARY 6, 2010)

FOR sometime now, the government has been grappling with agitation for better remuneration for public sector workers. So about a decade ago, the then government introduced the Ghana Universal Salary Structure (GUSS) in an attempt to address relativities in salaries that existed in the public service.
The expectations of public sector workers were, however, not met and they, therefore, continued to agitate for better salaries. In spite of the steps taken by the government annually at the National Tripartite Committee to meet the demands of workers, the agitation for better conditions of service has become an annual ritual.
Having recognised the poor working conditions of public sector workers, the government engaged consultants to help rationalise public sector wages.
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission is the creation of such broad consultations, culminating in the introduction of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS).
The labour front does not appear stable, especially when they have been told that the benefits of the SSSS would be felt during the second half of the year. The government has some work to do to calm the nerves of the working people so that they can have patience to wait for the implementation.
The global economic meltdown and other internal economic challenges have created roadblocks along the path of national reconstruction. It should be clear by now to organised labour that better conditions of service will always be at a cost, and that they can help the government better if their members are encouraged to change their attitudes towards work.
Whatever the situation, there is no way we as a nation can consume what we have not produced and, therefore, it behoves all workers to work harder this year to generate the revenue.
Despite the challenges, the Daily Graphic finds it refreshing that the President has given an assurance that the government is this year feverishly working towards reversing the unfortunate trend of inadequate remuneration received by public sector workers, especially teachers.
Speaking at the 50th National Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), President Mills said “the near implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure is a clear manifestation that the government is committed to improving the lot of teachers here on earth”.
Very often, workers have been accused of showing an interest in their organisations only when it comes to negotiating for new Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and that the issue of productivity is not their cup of tea.
Anytime companies face productivity challenges, workers are quick to point accusing fingers at management. But there is empirical evidence that in organisations where workers and management have collaborated very well, the results have been outstanding.
The Daily Graphic has nothing against the agitations by workers for better remuneration. But in the first place, we must all work hard to create the wealth, so that we can all determine how equitably it should be shared.
While working people want to benefit from the sweat of their labour right here on earth, policy makers are encouraged to make that happen as a motivation for increase in productivity.
The Daily Graphic, therefore, appeals to the government to do everything to maintain the prevailing industrial harmony by implementing the SSSS.