Government employees say though the early payment of salary will ease the burden on their finances as a result of the economic hardship brought about by fuel price increases, they will prefer an immediate salary increase. Government has directed the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to pay all workers by the close of this week but the workers anticipate that prices of commodities will continue to rise as traders pass on cost to consumers, fearing their plight may worsen from February. Some government workers whom Joy News sampled their opinion, asked the government to restore subsidy on petroleum products or increase salaries, while others dismissed in outright the impact of government’s directive on their lives. Meanwhile, NAGRAT has already kicked against the decision and wants the tripartite committee to fast track salary negotiations. The TUC holds a similar position and has issued a statement demanding the restoration of fuel subsidies. Secretary General of the Union, Kofi Asamoah told Joy News they will soon mount pressure on the government to meet their demand. “The whole position of removal of subsidies which was imposed by the IMF is unbearable, so we are quite consistent and we are asking the government to as much as possible restore the subsidy. “It is not a matter of paying workers earlier than their scheduled time; the fact is that the current level of pay and the economic hardship that has been brought by the fuel increases is so much that we cannot afford it.” He said regional leadership meetings would be held on Wednesday to conclude their next line of action.