TEWU demands 50% base pay rise
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC-Ghana) is demanding a 50 per cent increase in base pay ahead of its upcoming salary negotiations with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations.
According to the union, the proposed increase is necessary to cushion its members against Ghana’s rising cost of living and worsening economic conditions, which have eroded the real value of wages.
Speaking with the media on Thursday, 9 October, National Chairperson of TEWU, Salamatu Mahamah Braimah, said the union expects a substantial upward adjustment in the base pay, noting that current salaries no longer reflect the economic realities workers face.
“We are selling our labour, and as you know, each time things change, it means that our working conditions must change as well. So we are going into these negotiations with the mindset that there will be an improvement in the base pay,” she said.
She noted that a 50 per cent increase should be the minimum threshold for any reasonable settlement, given the steep rise in prices of goods and services in recent years.
“I think the minimum will be 50 per cent. So even if the government gives us 100 per cent, we will say thank you, Mr Government or Mr President, and walk away,” Ms Braimah remarked.
She emphasised that the demand is not excessive but rather a fair reflection of the inflationary pressures affecting household budgets, particularly for low- and middle-income earners in the education sector.
Ms Braimah further urged the government to approach the negotiations with empathy and fairness, noting that improving the welfare of teachers and educational workers directly enhances productivity and the quality of education delivery.
Responding to the union’s call, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, acknowledged the legitimacy of workers’ concerns and assured that government will thoroughly examine the proposal.
He indicated that while government remains committed to improving conditions of service for public sector workers, the final decision must balance fiscal sustainability with fair compensation.
“We appreciate the concerns raised by TEWU and other labour unions. Government will review all proposals carefully and ensure that any agreement reached reflects both the needs of workers and the financial capacity of the state,” Dr Pelpuo stated.
