General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum, says government should brace itself for a face-off if any attempt is made to reduce salaries of workers.

He was referring to austerity measures likely to be taken by government in order to reduce government expenditure as a means of consolidating the nation’s fiscal policy under the International Monetary Fund programme.

According to Dr. Tenkorang-Twum, labour is often made to suffer the most brunt whenever the government decides to implement austerity measures.

However, in the face of inflation and the rapid erosion of salaries and other benefits, the General Secretary noted that labour will not sit idle for the government to have its way once again.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, he said the GRNMA as well as other labour unions are observing the actions of government as the country commences its IMF programme.

“As you are ware, anytime there’s an austerity measure the first point of call is labour but when there’s any booty to be shared, labour is virtually forgotten. But we are not perturbed by whatever is laid down in the IMF programme.

“We know that the government is very much aware that the recent hike in inflation has certainly eroded whatever gains made during the last negotiations and they should brace themselves for a possible showdown if any attempt is made as it were to reduce salaries of workers.

“I know that will not happen, no government will ever do that and they’re very much aware. But for now we’re observing,” he said.

The Executive Board of IMF on Wednesday, May 17 approved a programme for Ghana. Subsequently, a first tranche – $600 million – of the $3 billion was credited to Ghana’s bank account.

The funds will be used for the balance of payment and budget support, as well as to stabilize the foreign exchange rate and control inflation.

Government, among other things, has agreed under the IMF programme to limit wage increments while enhancing productivity in the public sector.