Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Bright Wireko-Brobby is appealing to the Trades Union Congress to reconsider the percentage increment they are demanding for their base pay.

According to him, the government shares in the plight of labour, however, the government would not want to come to an agreement it cannot fulfill at the end of the bargain.

Speaking on JoyFM’s Newsnight, he said “It is difficult to predict how labour, you know, they are a group and we are also another group doing this together. We are praying for them to accept something that will not break the bank of government. For me, I cannot give a figure to you now but we are working with them.”  

The Trades Union and Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations are currently in talks to decide on the percentage base pay increment to address the rising cost of living.

Checks by JoyNews show that the labour union went to the negotiation table to demand 75.1% appreciation on base pay, whilst the government was willing to do only 10%. After talks, the union currently stands at a 60%  increase and the government has increased the initial figure by 5% which brings it to 15%.

Although the exact percentage has not been settled on, the Deputy Minister said the government was constantly in touch with the Finance Ministry to ensure that whichever cut is agreed on, payment of salaries can be sustained.

“From our 15%, we are also seeking mandates from the Ministry of Finance looking at what will work best without any problems or challenges for us going forward. In the event that there is a percentage pay rise where we cannot even pay salaries, I mean that should not be the case,” he told hosts Emefa Apawu and Evans Mensah on Monday.

In response on the same show, Deputy General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, Joshua Ansah said the union will only compromise on its decision after a meeting with leadership, whilst taking into account the interest and the plight of members.

He explained that the union brought down its initial figure by 15.1% because the government had also appreciated their percentage, adding that at the negotiation table, parties must agree to disagree.

Again, Mr Ansah insisted that although the budget would be read on Wednesday, the Union will not be coerced to accept any percentage because they want their interest captured in the 2024 budget.