A coalition of labour unions has expressed deep disappointment with what they describe as weak leadership and a lack of transparency on the part of Organised Labour in the ongoing 2026 Base Pay Negotiations with the Government of Ghana.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Accra on Monday, November 3, 2025, and signed by leaders of several unions, including the Innovative Teachers, the Senior Staff Association–Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), the group accused Organised Labour of failing to represent the true interests of Ghanaian workers.
The unions criticised the decision by Organised Labour to begin negotiations with what they termed a “meagre proposal” of 20 percent, which was later reduced to 15 percent on the first day of talks.
They also described the government’s counteroffer of 2.5 percent, later adjusted to 5 percent, as “insulting” and “a show of disregard for the sacrifices of public sector workers.”
“It is shocking and unacceptable that Organised Labour would begin the 2026 Base Pay Negotiations with such a weak proposal,” the statement read. “Workers are already battling high utility tariffs, abnormal taxes, and a rising cost of living. They deserve better representation.”
The unions argued that any credible negotiation should have started with a minimum demand of 50 percent, given the economic hardship facing public sector workers and the continued erosion of their real income.
The statement further criticised the Organised Labour leadership for allegedly excluding several unions from the consultation process before submitting its proposal to the government.
“How can Organised Labour present a proposal to government without input from other unions or a single meeting among its members?” the group queried, adding that the decision to prevent journalists from covering post-negotiation briefings raised “serious concerns about transparency and accountability.”
The unions also expressed concern that the leadership’s posture could lead to an outcome unfavourable to workers, warning that they would reject any agreement that fails to reflect the true cost of living.
“We caution the leadership of Organised Labour to act in the best interest of workers. This is not the time to compromise,” the statement said. “The Ghanaian worker deserves a living wage and transparent representation, not a leadership seen to be dancing to the tune of government.”
The unions reminded Organised Labour that decisions on base pay directly affect the computation of workers’ Social Security and retirement benefits, urging them to protect the long-term welfare of employees.
The statement was signed by Stephen Desu, Founder of the Innovative Teachers Union; Isaac Donkoh, Immediate Past National Chairman of SSA-UoG; Harruna Rafik, SSA-UoG Chairman, UG-Korle Bu Branch; Daniel Kweku Obo Manuel, SSA-UoG Chairman, UniMAC Branch; Philip Kweku Odei, Vice Chairman, SSA-UoG, UG-Legon Branch; and Benjamin Nkumash, TEWU Chairman, UG Branch.
The unions concluded by calling on the government to return to the negotiation table with a “realistic offer” that reflects current economic realities and restores confidence among Ghanaian workers.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
