The incessant call on the government to pay workers a 20% cost of living allowance (COLA) seems unending as more trade unions join.
The latest to join the tall list of trade unions demanding the payment of the 20% COLA is the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU).
“In the midst of rising cost of living, inflation currently pegged at 27.6% (with a propensity to rise further), and pending astronomical increases in utility tariffs, the economic analysis which formed the basis of our acceptance of a one-year salary increment for the year 2022 has obviously been thrown out of gear.
“Considering the worsening economic challenges, members of the PSWU are left with no other option but to draw attention to their economic wellbeing,” the union said in a statement on Monday.
First to voice out their concerns over the same issue were four teacher unions, which announced their strike at a press conference on Monday, July 4.
The unions said they had called on the government to grant a 20% COLA to the Ghanaian worker, particularly teachers and educational workers of the Pre-Tertiary Education level, in light of the current economic challenges.
According to the unions, the high inflation, and incessant skyrocketing prices of fuel, goods and services, “have eroded the already woefully so-called salary increases granted” to them.
Shortly after taking that bold step, the union of Professional Nurses and Midwives (UPNMG) commended the striking teachers.
“The strike called by teachers in their joint press release was a call in the right direction and deserves the full backing of all labor unions in the country” part of a statement from the nurses read.
The health workers threatened to strike if COLA is not paid
“We are calling for engagement on these matters not necessarily a strike at this time but it would be inevitable if what we are expecting doesn’t happen and we are left in limbo as we see ourselves this time” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations will hold a second meeting with organized labor and striking teachers today, Tuesday, July 12, to discuss their COLA demand.
The demand for the 20% COLA was first made by the Trades Union Congress(TUC) at this year’s May Day celebrations.