The Secretary-General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Dr. Yaw Baah, has clarified that the 6% increment in the National Daily Minimum Wage is only applicable to those whose current salary falls below ¢12.53 per day.

He stated that as a result, such persons are expected to see adjustments in their salaries accordingly, from tomorrow June 4.

Speaking on JoyFM’s News Night Thursday, June 3, he stated that the wage increment is not across board.

Meanwhile, those who are earning above minimum wage would have to negotiate with their employer for salary adjustments.

His comments come after the National Tripartite Committee (NTC) increased the National Daily Minimum Wage to ¢12.53, which is a 6% increment on the 2020 figure of ¢11.82.

This followed conclusion of negotiations on the determination of the National Daily Minimum Wage in respect of 2021 and 2022 at its meeting held Thursday, June 3 in Accra.

At the end of the meeting, it was also concluded that for the year 2022, National Daily Minimum Wage will be pegged at ¢13.53, an 8% increment on the 2021 figure.

Dr. Baah stated that though the increment is meagre, compared with what they had expected from the meeting, he was hopeful that members of the TUC would come to appreciate the fact that the current harsh economic situation of the country, was a major factor.

“This is our mandate and we hope we’ll be able to let them understand the situation is not good. And our main concern now is that number one, everyone who has a job now should keep his or her job. That is our number one concern.

“The second, all these young men and women around who are looking for jobs; there must be some openings for them. And we’re expecting that to happen. On the basis of that, we expect them to understand,” he said.

He was optimistic that in the near future, the country would move away from minimum wages to living wages.

He explained living wages as, “a wage that will allow you, your spouse, and at least two children to live a normal life.”