President Mills throws weight behind pay reforms

President Mills

President John Evans Atta Mills on Friday paid an unannounced visit to the headquarters of Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Accra, where he threw his weight behind efforts to ensure fair wages for public workers

He also underscored the need for co-operation between Government and Organised Labour to improve the conditions of workers.

President Mills was received by Deputy Secretary General of TUC, Dr Yaw Baah, on behalf of the Secretary General, Mr Kofi Asamaoh who has travelled outside Accra for official duties.

He said: "Governance is a continuing process, not only on May Day. It is important to interact with you regularly."

President Mills commended Organised Labour for its co-operation with Government, describing it as cordial.

He reiterated his message that the ruling National Democratic Party is in power to improve the living standards of Ghanaians.

President Mills, a Professor in Law at the University of Ghana, Legon, for more than two decades, described himself as an unofficial member of the Public Services Workers Union, Teachers and Educational Workers Union, all subsidiaries of TUC.

He described his visit as extraordinary and not a surprise.

Dr Baah said TUC was aware of the social democratic credentials of the Government, and commended the Pension Reform, improvement in salaries through the Single Spine Salary Structure expected to be effective next July.

He said it was no easy task to introduce such a policy, and described this year as a special year for the TUC.

Dr Baah said this year's celebration of May Day would be dedicated to the memory of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's First President for his support for the labour movement.

He noted that implementation of the Single Spine Pay Policy would require government to support the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission because of the many challenges it is facing with the implementation of the plan.