Public sector workers to enjoy up to 25% base pay rise in 2024
The base pay on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) is set to increase by 23% starting January 2024, following the conclusion of two days of negotiations between the government and Organised Labour. The agreement stipulates that the 23% increment will be applicable across the board from January to June 2024, after which it will further rise to 25% from July to December 2024.
Representatives from the government included the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), and Ministry of Finance (MoF).
On the other side, Organised Labour was represented by worker unions, associations, and institutions within the Public Service of Ghana under the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee.
Signatories to the agreement include Ignatius Baffour Awuah, Minister for Employment and Labour Relations; Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC); Benjamin Arthur, Chief Executive of Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC); and Dr Isaac Bampo Addo, Chairman of Forum.
Despite Organised Labour’s initial demand for over a 70% increment in the base pay for 2024 to counter the rising cost of living, the agreed-upon 23% increment aims to strike a balance.
Mr. Baffour-Awuah, addressing the media, mentioned that the minimum wage would see a 22% upward revision, ranging from GH₵14.88 to GH₵18.15.
Dr. Yaw Baah, Secretary General of the TUC, expressed optimism about the government diligently implementing the decision.
However, Dr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, Executive Secretary of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), voiced concerns about the increment, stating that the government should focus on addressing wastage to ensure adequate funds for future negotiations.
He emphasized the need for the government to examine and rectify inefficiencies within the system, signaling a call for change in the recurring narrative of financial constraints during negotiations
