Dialogue holds key to resolving industtrial actions

For a number of years now, the labour scene has been very turbulent, with various unions turning their backs on their workplaces or threatening to embark on strikes to back their demand for better working conditions.

These labour agitations affect productivity and demotivate investors from looking for opportunities in our country.

The industrial harmony that the country used to enjoy has been distorted by the frequent industrial actions in recent times arising largely out of the implementation of the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP).

This year, labour unions such as the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association of Ghana and teachers, including university lecturers, have embarked on industrial actions against the feet-dragging tactics of the government to implement certain aspects of the SSPP.

Various appeals from the President and other well-meaning Ghanaians compelled the various unions to call off their strikes, but to date the concerns of these workers remain unresolved.

The Daily Graphic is not happy about these unfinished businesses that have the potential to derail the economic plans of the country.

Yesterday, members of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) started a nationwide strike to demand the payment of arrears of allowances owed them.

But just when the strike took effect, the government announced the payment of GH¢25 million to members of UTAG. And the response of UTAG to the government’s announcement was that the strike would only be called off after the money had hit their accounts. They also described the government’s action as “too little, too late”.

Many may find the response of UTAG baffling, but the lecturers explained that that announcement by the government was nothing new, as the government had reneged on similar promises in the past.

The association referred to a similar agreement in April this year which was never fulfilled.

The strike by UTAG is the last thing many parents and students would want to hear as they prepare to begin the 2013/2014 academic year, particularly when an unprecedented number of students will seek admission to our universities in the 2014/2015 academic year.

The Daily Graphic, therefore, urges members of UTAG to reconsider their decision in the national interest.

We are all aware of the challenges that have confronted the economy since the beginning of the year in respect of cash flow into the kitty. Moreover, there are various competing sectors or projects that the government must fund from the same kitty to satisfy those ends.

Fortunately, the government has given its word that the Controller and Accountant-General will start paying the GH¢25 million arrears owed lecturers and other staff of public universities from today.

It is important that we demonstrate goodwill in whatever we do to avoid creating mistrust.

There may be challenges in implementing agreements that have been mutually entered into, but it is important that we always keep the communication channels open, so that no party feels cheated or being taken for granted.

This is not the time for strikes — just when the country is coming out of the woods after successfully raising $1 billion from the Eurobond Road Show to fund infrastructure projects.

Daily Graphic/Ghana