The Minority in Parliament has claimed that public sector workers across the country are deeply disappointed with the leadership of Organized Labour for accepting a 9% remuneration increase for public sector workers in 2027.
According to the caucus, the deal fails to reflect the rising cost of living and places an additional burden on workers already struggling with increasing household expenses.
A statement issued on October 28, by Mavis Nkansah Boadu, Ranking Member of the Committee of Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions, questioned the basis on which labour leaders accepted the deal, particularly after previously assuring workers that they would push for a significant increase in base pay.
The agreement provides for a 9% total remuneration increase in 2027, comprising an 8% base pay adjustment and 1% increase in conditions of service, followed by a 10% increase in 2028.
The Minority said feedback reaching the Caucus from rank-and-file union members across the country suggested widespread disappointment, not only with the government but also with the labour leaders who negotiated and signed the agreement on their behalf.
“Workers are asking, and rightly so, whether their leaders went to the table to defend their wages or to deliver industrial peace for Government,” the statement said.
The Minority also criticized the government for what it described as a growing disparity between wage adjustments and the rising cost of essential services, including electricity, water, rent, transportation, and cooking gas.
It cited increases in utility tariffs and transport fares, arguing that these adjustments continue to erode workers’ purchasing power despite the annual salary increments..
It has consequently called for an immediate reconvening of the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee to review the agreement and establish a remuneration framework that reflects the actual cost of living.
The Minority is also demanding greater transparency from Organized Labour, urging its leadership to disclose the proposals presented during negotiations and explain the basis for accepting the two-year deal.
