Single Spine Salary effective July – Prez Mills assures

President Atta Mills has given the strongest assurance yet that, barring any unforeseen circumstance, the much-anticipated Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), to ensure uniformity and equality in public sector pay, will take effect from July this year.

Addressing workers at the 2010 May Day parade at the Independence Square in Accra, Saturday, the President said the needed support has been given to the Fair Wages Commission to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.

“Effective July this year Single Spine Salary Structure will see the light of the day,” President Mills declared, attracting applauds of relieve from the workers. “Much progress have already been made through consultations between the Fair Wages and Salary Commission and the various unions and associations.”

This year's celebration was dedicated to Ghana's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, as part of activities climaxing his 100 years anniversary. It is under the theme: “Consolidating Workers Solidarity and the Legacy of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.”

President Mills, however, sent a clarion call to all stakeholders to be “accommodative and support” of the Fair Wages Commission to come out with a “lasting and forward-looking consensus” on it.

The President was very appreciative of the level of cooperation his government has enjoyed from the labour union and hoped the “spirit would be maintained and even enhanced”.



Workers' concerns












President Mills (middle)with other dignitaries at the May Day parade







He assured that the government has taken notice of, and would work on, some of the inscriptions on displayed placards, some of which read: Support PSI Cassava, Security of Employees is a Must, Ban Importation of Rice, and among others, No Job Security No Peace.

“I want to assure you that our government has taken in good faith the hard hitting ones and you can be sure that we will take whatever steps are necessary to address those concerns that are dear to your heart,” President Mills indicated.

President Mills further stated that government would work assiduously to protect the right and interest of workers to fully realize their potential to contribute to nation building.

He condemned employers who discourage workers' unions in their companies for “personal and selfish reasons,” describing the situation as “sad”.

Kofi Asamoah, Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress, appealed to the President to ensure that workers at the public sector enjoy good pay, and hoped the SSSS would be implemented in July as promised.

He also asked the government to support pensioners and take critical look at situation at the Tema Oil Refinery to save it from grounding to a halt.

Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana