Minister for Labour and Employment Rashid Pelpuo has appealed to the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to engage the government in dialogue rather than escalating tensions over recent utility tariff increases.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Thursday, December 4, the minister stressed that the government remains open to continuous negotiations, not only during periods of wage adjustments.

Dr. Pelpuo explained that his ministry, with the government’s support, intends to institutionalise mid-year engagements with labour unions to address concerns before they escalate into threats of industrial action.

“If there are any issues, we will understand them early and work on them before matters get to the point of strikes. We don’t want that. So I’ll advise them to take advantage of the goodwill message we’ve sent. We all understand the need for closer, more frequent interaction,” he said.

He urged the TUC to present its concerns for constructive dialogue, saying, “We are open for discussion. Let us see what is hurting you so we can work together to achieve the objectives you are talking about.”

Read also: TUC blasts gov’t over tariff hikes: ‘This is worse than robbing Peter to pay Paul.’

The minister’s comments follow TUC’s strong condemnation of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s 9.8% electricity and 15.9% water tariff increases effective January 1, 2026.

The union described the hikes as harsh and insensitive, especially in light of the 9% minimum wage adjustment, which it already considers inadequate.

TUC has warned it will resist the tariff adjustments unless government returns to renegotiate wages and has threatened mass mobilisation if no action is taken.