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.
Yesterday was the International Day of Families (IDF), a global celebration of families and their significance that aims to increase awareness of social and economic challenges.
Every year on May 15, the United Nations observes IDF, a day that emphasises the value of families in social development and advocates for family-friendly legislation.
The UN General Assembly created the Day in 1993 to bring attention to economic, demographic, and social issues that impact families, such as urbanization, digital transformation, and climate change.
Because of this, the government, local communities, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) utilise this day to advocate for family-oriented policies like childcare and financial assistance to strengthen communities and advance health and education.
Children must live in a positive home setting that offers affection, love, care, support, pleasant relationships, discipline, and fairness since they are vulnerable and require assistance in a variety of ways.
In support of this year’s theme, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing,” The Spectator thinks that providing this supportive atmosphere for children will help advance their wellbeing.
In the meantime, today, May 16, is the “International Day of Living Together in Peace,” which aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in variety and differences, in order to create a sustainable world of harmony, solidarity, and peace.
This year’s theme, “Living Together in Peace: Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion and Reconciliation,” is appropriate since the day serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to promote compassion, understanding, and connection despite differences.
“Living together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognise, respect, and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way,” according to UNESCO.
In order for peace to prevail, individuals must choose to listen to and uphold the dignity of those whose experiences, opinions, and histories may differ from their own. We must recognize that coexisting peacefully is a practical endeavour rather than an abstract one. And in order for peace to prevail, individuals must decide to pay attention and uphold the dignity of those whose backgrounds, experiences, and opinions may differ from their own.
Respecting people’s opinions is important because it fosters trust and improves relationships. After a quarrel, most people find it hard to make amends, but The Spectator encourages people to talk, which is one approach to mend broken relationships. Tensions are reduced and the circumstances for peace are established through dialogue.
Each of us has a part to play in creating peaceful environments therefore as the theme draws attention to the daily work of peace in diplomacy, in institutions, families, schools, workplaces, communities, places of worship, and public life, let us uphold peace in high regard.
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern about the uncertainty facing many National Service personnel after completing their mandatory service.
Every year thousands of young graduates are posted to various institutions across the country where they contribute significantly to productivity and service delivery.
Unfortunately, after their service period, many are left unemployed despite demonstrating competence, dedication, and commitment to duty.
In many offices, National Service personnel perform the same responsibilities as permanent staff and in some cases help reduce workload pressures.
It is therefore discouraging that after gaining practical experience and contributing to national development, they are often asked to leave without any opportunity for permanent employment.
This situation has contributed to rising unemployment and frustration among the youth.
I would like to appeal to the government, public institutions, and private organisations to consider retaining hardworking National Service personnel whenever vacancies arise.
Creating a clear pathway for permanent employment after service would motivate young graduates to give off their best and also help reduce graduate unemployment in the country.
Eugene Ampiaw
Mamprobi-Camara.
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