News:
July 8, 2011
The Minister for Employment and Social Welfare, Enoch Teye Mensah, has complained that some public sector worker unions are frustrating efforts by the Fair Wages Commission to move them onto the Single Spine Salary Structure.
His comments come in the wake of recent reports that these unions are contemplating staging a nationwide industrial action over grievances they have expressed about the new pay policy.
The Ningo Prampram MP told Citi News after a press conference in Accra on 7th July, 2011 that his Ministry has resolved to expose all Union leaders who are frustrating the work of the Commission if they do not move quickly to remove the impediments they have put in the way of the Commission.
“Henceforth, we will expose those who are playing games with us. They have been protected for months and I think it’s about time these groups were told the truth, the why and why-nots; the reasons why they have not been put on the Single Spine Structure.
“Our staff will engage theirs so that they will know why they are having difficulties. We will talk about FUSSAG, TEWU and UTAG and somehow, I believe that everything has been covered. So I don’t think it’s necessary to wait for UTAG, which is now going to review the work that has been done; as long as we are sure about FUSSAG and TAWU, we will migrate them”.
The minister promised that after the migration, which is to be finalized at the end of July, salaries will be paid in August.
“From the information that I have, by the end of July they should be migrated and when this is done, and I am confident that this will be in July, then salaries will be paid in August”.
The minister told Citi News that the government is determined to ensure all public sector workers are moved onto the new scheme before close of September this year.
He also outlined certain inconsistencies that would make disqualification from the Single Spine Salary Structure likely.
“Delay or failure by some institutions to submit their migration data for verification will disallow the commission to accept them on the Salary Structure. In addition, we also disqualify presentation of migration data that contain any signs of dishonesty. That involves the frequent insertion of names of casual staff as permanent staff to be migrated. That is dishonesty and when we find those things out we disqualify them”.