Organised Labour has strongly dismissed allegations that it was forced into accepting the 10 percent base pay increase announced by the government, insisting that the decision was made after careful deliberations and economic considerations rather than intimidation or coercion.
The claims of coercion surfaced after some reports suggested that government officials pressured labour unions into agreeing to the wage adjustment, a move critics argue is insufficient given the current economic hardships.
However, leaders within Organised Labour have denied such claims, maintaining that their decision was based on economic realities and a direct appeal from President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking to the press on Monday, February 24, Angel Carbonu, President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), stated that the negotiation process was rigorous and not without its challenges.
He explained that labour unions had to weigh several factors, including the state of the economy, inflation, job security, and the sustainability of wage increments.
He added that at no point were labour unions intimidated, bribed, or manipulated into accepting the deal. Instead, they made a difficult yet pragmatic choice to ensure that the economy remained stable while still securing an increase in wages.
“The President of the land have come to virtually beg labour that if we are not careful, we are going to push this economy into the doldrums and even the few jobs that we have may not even be there.
“So labour bought into the President’s appeal. Where is the intimidation? Where is the bribery? Where is the manipulation here?”
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