Workers will not accept interim salary adjustment - Chigabatia

Accra (Greater Accra), 9 Feb. '99 -

The Civil Servants' Association of Ghana yesterday declared that it will not accept any interim adjustment in salaries and wages for workers. It said it will refuse any offer in the form of across-the-board salary increases for workers until the new salary and wages policy is implemented by the government. Mr Smart Chigabatia, Executive Secretary, reject the budget statement's claim that "interim adjustment and salary increases are now perceived as measures to kill real policies". He said the fear of workers is that acceptance of these interim awards will further delay the implementation of the Price Waterhouse policy on salaries which civil servants find appropriate. Mr Chigabatia acknowledged that there is still work to be done on the actual implementation process but said certain inconsistencies in the salary ranges and job placement must be cleared in order to avoid future problems. He called for commitment on the part of government, the Central Management Board and other stakeholders to ensure early and successful execution of the policy. Mr Chigabatia said there is the urgent need for public education on the import of the new salary structure to sensitise the populace and to correct misconceptions about the policy. GR.../

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