Parliamentarians have eulogised frontline workers for their efforts in helping the country contain the Covid-19 pandemic as the world
marks May Day.

In a speech on the Floor on Thursday, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the Employment Minister assured that despite the impact of the pandemic, government’s commitment to their welfare remains paramount.

“I will like to single out our hardworking frontline workers who have
availed themselves to live-saving measures as the nation fights Covid-19 and its related issues…Government’s commitment to the welfare of workers remains resolute and will always be one of our major priorities,” he said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu called for a
realistic negotiation between labour unions and government on how well
employers can be remunerated, bearing in mind the impact of Covid-19 on the economy.

“Unfortunately, when we are striving to measure up over the past three years, we have been brought down by this Covid-19 pandemic…That is why it is important at this stage to begin negotiations with organised labour for us to know realistically what is ahead of us as a country,” the Majority Leader stressed.

For his part, the Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu also urged government not to forget about outstanding issues bothering the labour front even as Covid-19 issues dominate discussions.

“Whether Covid or no Covid, there are matters relating to pensions which
have not been significantly resolved.

"The unification of pensions…we still have Act 766, which deals with the National Pensions Act and you have it coexisting with Cap 30. That is not possible,” he said.

Mr Iddrisu also drew government’s attention to issues such as maternity
leave and abuse of workers.