Editorial
Let there be industrial peace!
Not long ago, we heard from the Trades Union Congress Secretary General that “if the government does not increase the minimum wage to the inflation level, workers would embark on strike.”
This statement came as a surprise to many people in the country because it is the same Secretary General who was part of the negotiation team for the increase of the minimum wage for 2022. Some workers are of the view that he wants to take this action as a show of flexing muscles to government to get the minimum wage increased.
We need to keep away from such threats because as a peaceful country, we can always come together at the negotiation table to settle matters relating to wage levels so that we can always find ourselves in a win-win situation.
Win-win situation means the negotiation will be carried out in such a way that each of the parties will win and not be a loser. Such negotiations, positive as they are, are what we need as a country so as to forestall disturbances of the peace and encourage productivity on the labour front.
Without peace on the labour front, not much can be achieved and that explains why partners on the negotiation table must always bear in mind to have the national interest at heart when negotiating.
Workers deserve to be treated better. Indeed, they need to enjoy higher salaries than they are doing now.
However, the economic challenges the world is facing today have made it extremely difficult for governments to increase salaries of workers to the desired levels. It is in light of this that the TUC Secretary General ought to refrain from threatening the government with strikes. Rather than confronting the government with strikes, the TUC should rather sit with government and negotiate for better conditions for workers. Bearing in mind the difficulties confronting the workers, the TUC should refrain from actions that are aggressive but rather seek a peaceful negotiation.
In all this, they should have it in mind that the national kitty cannot provide for all their needs.
As has been pointed out by labour analyst, Mr Seth Abloso, the TUC’s threat to embark on industrial action if the daily national minimum wage is not increased, is unnecessary.
This is because the TUC should have addressed this issue long ago after the release of the Professor Yaa Ntiamoah Baidoo Committee Report. The report contained credible information which could have been utilised by the TUC for a more peaceful and purposeful information.
The Spectator is appealing to the TUC Secretary General and his workers to refrain from any disturbance of the industrial peace.
A more friendly and peaceful negotiation is what is needed on the industrial front for the promotion of productivity in the country.
Editorial
Unsanitary conditions of food vendors near gutter
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express a concern about the unhygienic conditions under which food vendors go about their business in some communities.
This is mostly associated with vendors that sell near gutters. It has become widespread and the earlier authorities do something about it, the better it will be for us.
I have noticed in recent times that several food sellers have set up their stalls close to open gutters, posing serious health risks to consumers.
The proximity of these food stalls to gutters means that food is being prepared and sold in an environment contaminated with filth, bacteria, and other harmful substances.
This is unacceptable and requires immediate attention from the relevant authorities.
I urge the Metropolitan and District Assemblies under the Local Government Ministry and other health agencies to take swift action to address this issue.
Food vendors should be relocated to cleaner and safer areas, with regular inspections to be conducted to ensure that food is being handled and sold in a hygienic manner.
The recent outbreak of Cholera in some regions of the country should keep us on our toes to ensure that we don’t lose guard with sanitation.
I hope that your paper will highlight this important issue to help bring about the necessary changes.
By Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra
Editorial
Govt must go to aid of victims of USAID funding cut
Dear Editor,
Reading a report in your established weekend newspaper, The Spectator, last week on the effect of USAID funding cut in the Northern Region made me see the seriousness of the issue at stake.
To learn the fate of HIV/AIDS patients, those suffering from malaria, pregnant women and other category of sick people are uncertain made me sad.
This is because as a country, we have made a lot of progress in the control and management of these conditions and would be very unfortunate to see these gains eroded by the decision of the US government.
The situation described by health workers and the patients themselves is understandable because funds from the USAID have served as a backbone for health delivery in the region.
It is indeed a difficult situation but as a country, we must not fold our hands and sit unconcerned. We must be seen to be doing something.
President John Mahama has done well by tasking the Minister of Finance to find ways to raise cash to support agencies or activities to be affected by the funds cut.
The issue now is when done what would be released? I want to appeal to the government to respond immediately to curb mortality.
Rosemary Ampofo,
Obuasi
