Disappointed Labour Unions Condemn "Weak" Organised Labour Leadership and Lack of Transparency in 2026 Base Pay Negotiations.

 

Disappointed Labour Unions Condemn "Weak" Organised Labour Leadership and Lack of Transparency in 2026 Base Pay Negotiations.

A coalition of labour unions has issued a statement expressing deep disappointment and concern over what they describe as weak leadership and poor transparency exhibited by Organised Labour during the ongoing 2026 Base Pay negotiations with the government.

According to the unions, Ghanaian workers continue to grapple with high utility tariffs, heavy taxation, and escalating costs of living. In such difficult times, they expected Organised Labour to demonstrate strong advocacy and strategic planning to secure meaningful improvements in salaries.

Criticism of Negotiation Strategy

The unions described as “shocking and unacceptable” the decision of Organised Labour to commence negotiations with a 20% proposal, which was subsequently reduced to 15% on the very first day. They noted that the government’s initial offer of 2.5%, later revised to 5%, reflected a total disregard for the sacrifices and hardships of public sector employees who continue to provide essential services under challenging conditions.

The unions also criticised the leadership for its earlier acceptance of a 10% base pay increase for 2025, a decision they say worsened workers’ economic situation after a 21% hike in utility tariffs. They questioned whether the same pattern was about to repeat itself.

Call for a Stronger and Fairer Proposal

In their view, a fair and credible negotiation should have begun with a minimum demand of 50%, given the persistent inflation and the steady erosion of workers’ real income. The unions further highlighted the widening pay disparity between employees on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) and those outside it — an issue they believe the leadership of Organised Labour has ignored.

They reminded the leadership that decisions on base pay directly influence workers’ Social Security benefits after retirement, emphasizing that the outcome of the negotiations has long-term implications for the welfare and financial stability of public sector workers.

Concerns Over Lack of Consultation and Secrecy

The unions expressed serious concern about the absence of consultation with various member unions prior to submitting the 20% proposal. They argued that this failure to engage stakeholders undermines the spirit of inclusivity and erodes trust in the negotiation process.

They also condemned the decision to restrict media coverage of the post-negotiation briefings — a move they described as a “deliberate act of secrecy” that departs from established practice.

“Why prevent the media from reporting progress if there is nothing to hide? Workers have every right to know what is being discussed on their behalf,” the statement questioned.

Appeal for Accountability and Genuine Representation

The unions urged Organised Labour to act in the best interests of workers and avoid compromises that could further diminish their economic standing. They also appealed to the government to return to the negotiation table with a realistic offer that truly reflects current living conditions.

“The Ghanaian worker deserves a living wage and transparent representation — not a leadership that appears to be aligned with government interests,” the unions stated.

Warning of Possible Resistance

Concluding their statement, the unions indicated that they have received credible information suggesting that the outcome of the ongoing 2026 Base Pay negotiations may not favour labour. Should that happen, they vowed to reject the agreement and take the necessary steps to safeguard the interests of their members.