FWSC asks government to engage labour on salaries

Mr George Smith-Graham, Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), on Tuesday suggested the need for government to discuss with organised labour the possibility of freezing or slashing salaries of Article 71 office holders.

Mr Smith-Graham made the suggestion at the “National Forum on Sustainability of the Single Spine Pay Policy,” in Ho.

He was giving an “overview of the Single Spine Pay Policy, structure, key components, basic implementation requirements, and challenges so far”.

Mr Smith-Graham asked government to take direct control of internally generated funds (IGFs) from institutions now handling such monies.

He observed that many of the institutions which are using their IGFs to pay allowances and other perks to their staff are now on the single spine and so government must take direct charge of the funds.

Mr Smith-Graham said those occupying positions must be evaluated because many people are receiving salaries which they are not qualified for.

He requested the government to evaluate institutions on subvention and take out those which could generate revenue to meet their needs.

Mr Smith-Graham was of the view that the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP) should be implemented in phases in the short, medium and long-term as the five years implementation period has caused labour unions to seek stampede the FWSC.

He asked the government to get the Labour Commission to take a second look at some of its rulings which encourages some labour unions to take the FWSC on.

Mr Smith-Graham said government is close to achieving equity in pay administration.

Mr Kofi Asamoah, Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress said public sector pay in Ghana is still the least on the continent.

He said some in the public sector have seen significant improvements in their salaries but that could not be said of every worker.

Mr Asamoah said salaries under the SSPP are not free gifts but rewards for work done.

He said the provision of modern equipment and tools is necessary for increased productivity which the SSPP alone could not bring about.

Source: GNA