Labour union calls for truce over workers’ pensions

The Local Government Workers’ Union (LGWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has said that the continued mistrust and suspicion surrounding management of the second-tier occupational pension fund does not augur well for industrial harmony, and have urged government to come to an agreement with the local unions as soon as possible.

A statement copied to the B&FT and signed by the General Secretary of the Union Joe Boahen said the LGWU wants a peaceful deliberation that will serve the best interest of the contributors, and that it will not accept any unilateral action by government on the issue.

“The union cautions against any unilateral action by government on the second-tier pension fund management.

“What we pray for is an understanding to ensure that government sits down with the workers’ unions for a solution that will serve the best interest of the contributors.

“The mistrust and suspicion surrounding management of the second-tier occupational pension fund is not healthy for industrial harmony,” the statement read.

The statement also appealed for government to marshal resources, including technical expertise of Ghanaians -- both home and abroad, to find a lasting solution to the current energy crisis as it is taking a toll on all aspects of national life.

“The current energy crisis is taking a toll on all aspects of national life, from household to industry and services sectors of the economy.

“As a nation, we cannot risk playing politics with this problem because the impact of the situation on socio-economic growth cannot be taken for granted.”

The leadership of the LGWU has also assured all employees of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and the Local Government Service that it will continue to champion their cause to ensure improved conditions of service for all categories of staff.

It further implored the employees to reciprocate the actions of the union by delivering quality service to the public at the local governance level.

“We urge workers to help push forward the decentralisation agenda through efficient service delivery. As a union, we will continue to encourage revenue mobilisation officials at the MMDAs to redouble their efforts to rake in more revenue for the assemblies’ development agenda,” the statement said.

The Local Government Workers’ Union has thrown its weight behind the newly-created ‘National Sanitation Day’ programme with a call on the public to view it as a national obligation toward improving the country’s sanitation.

The union cautioned that the programme seeks to provide a healthy environment for national progress, which must not be undermined through apathy.

“As a labour organisation we call on employees of the MMDAs to actively participate in the exercise, because poor sanitation comes with health costs through the outbreak of preventable diseases like cholera which invariably affects productivity.”