The Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) has announced that the current standard of living will be a central consideration in salary negotiations this year. Deputy Secretary General, Joshua Ansah, stated that factors such as inflation, taxes, and the cost of living will be given high priority in discussions on working conditions to provide relief to Ghanaian workers.
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In an interview with TV3’s Daniel Opoku, Mr. Ansah expressed disappointment in the current government's introduction of more taxes in the face of the current economic conditions. He went on to say that the TUC will monitor what the taxes generated from the amended bills will be used for since their plea to stop the government from passing the three bills was ignored.
Mr. Ansah emphasized that anything that erodes gains such as inflation, taxes, and low living standards will be factored into the negotiations for higher pay.
This announcement comes after Parliament passed three revenue bills on March 31, namely the Income Tax Amendment Bill, Excise Duty Amendment Bill, and Growth and Sustainability Amendment Bill. The government hopes to generate approximately GH¢4 billion per year to supplement domestic revenue.
However, Mr. Ansah noted that successive governments have not accounted for the high taxes imposed on citizens, particularly workers. He lamented that while taxes are intended for development, the citizens do not see the anticipated benefits.
The Deputy Secretary General warned that this time, the TUC would not sit idly by and watch. They would closely monitor the government's use of taxes and hold them accountable for what they do with the citizens' money.
In conclusion, the TUC's announcement highlights the need to prioritize workers' welfare, especially in challenging economic times. The government must work closely with organised labour to ensure that any new policies or taxes introduced do not disproportionately burden the working class.
