Workers of Electoral Commission demand new salaries

Accra, Sept. 12, GNA- Workers of the Electoral Commission (EC) on Friday embarked on a peaceful demonstration in Accra to register their protest against what they described as "undue delay in the implementation of a new salary structure" for them.

The workers wore red-bands, chanted slogans and accused management of lack of commitment in facilitating the process of paying them their new salaries since 1990.

The demonstration was confined to the premises of the Commission headquarters in Accra and it coincided with the launch of the report on Legal and Institutional Frame work for District Level Elections that attracted a number of dignitaries.

Mr Anthony Ekpedzor, the local union chairman, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra, that the industrial action was justified since negotiations for an upward adjustment of salaries has dragged on since 1990.

"What workers are demanding now is a new salary structure that will conform to the Ghana Universal Salary Structure to address the discrepancies they suffered under the Price Water House report", the Union Chairman said.

Mr. Ekpedzor said the Central Committee of the Union sent a report to an Appellate Committee chaired by one Professor Sakyi Amoa but nothing positive came out of it.

Some of the demonstrators alleged that they earn only 300,000 cedis a month as salaries without any allowances.

Mr. Paul Asamoah, the Finance Director intervened and pleaded with the workers to exercise restraint since management will resolve the issue by the close of the day.

The workers however threatened that if the problem was not addressed as promised by Mr Asamoah, they will embark on a nationwide strike.