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General News of Sunday, 2 May 2010

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Prez Mills' May Day Speech

Fellow Workers
Let me first of all congratulate you for turning out in your numbers this morning to give more meaning to the important role you have played, are playing, and will continue to play in the development of our dear nation.
I very much appreciate the level of co-operation between Government and Labour since we took over the reins of government last year and it is my hope that the good-spirited approach to seeking solutions to the myriad of issues confronting labour will be maintained.
It is for good reason that worldwide today, the vital contribution of workers to the development of nations, is being recognized and celebrated.
I salute you, the hardworking workers of Ghana.
Fellow workers, I have taken notice of some of the very interesting writings on your placards and you can rest assured that Government takes the hard-hitting ones in good faith and will do all it can to address those concerns that are dear to your heart.
Let me assure you that Government will work assiduously towards protecting the rights and interests of workers to fully utilize your potential to contribute to nation building.
An example of this, is Government’s commitment to the principle of Freedom of Association by workers.
And whilst you insist on your legitimate rights as workers, it is also important that you are alive to your responsibilities in supporting Government to see through its vision of building a Better Ghana.
Let me reiterate the point that continuous dialogue between Labour and Management, Labour and Government, is crucial to creating and sustaining, peaceful, harmonious, and trustworthy industrial relations.
Government is therefore expecting that Organised Labour and employers to use the established institutions; National Labour Commission, the Tripartite Committee and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to resolve labour matters.
Fellow workers, it is the hope of Government that effective July this year, the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), will see the light of day.
It is for this reason that Government is giving maximum support to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to effectively manage the implementation processes.
Much progress has already been made through consultations between the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and Unions/Associations.
I am appealing to the leadership of Unions/Associations to be accommodating and co-operate with the Wages Commission so a lasting and forward-looking consensus can be built.
With the enactment of the new Pensions Law, workers benefits under the various tiers shall be significantly enhanced.
On a day like this, it is important to state that Government is still very much committed to making good its manifesto pledge of creating jobs for the scores of unemployed Ghanaians.
Indeed, at the recent Cabinet Retreat which focused on job creation, important initiatives were taken in this regard.
Also, Government has put in place measures to give the economy stable legs to stand on in order to promote the creation of productive employment opportunities in all sectors of the economy.
The pragmatic fiscal and monetary measures initiated last year have been the main factors behind the consistent decline in inflation, the stability of the cedi against major currencies and following the reduction in the prime rate by the Bank of Ghana it is expected that commercial banks will respond appropriately and provide affordable credit to the private sector to expand, stimulate growth, and provide lasting jobs.
Fellow workers, let me state emphatically that my recent unannounced visits to your work places are aimed at encouraging and not for retributive purposes.
However, we will ensure that the growth agenda of the nation is not derailed.
A few days ago, after busting a smuggling ring at the Aflao border, it was heartening to hear a customs official say that CEPS wants to prove to me that there are still some good men in uniform who are committed to working in the supreme interest of the state.
While appreciating the fact that there are a lot of conscientious workers in Ghana who are prepared to support the fight against corruption, let me state that it is not about pleasing me per say; it is about collectively accepting that it is incumbent on all of us to consciously work at building a Better Ghana.
And talking about my unannounced visits, I thank the leadership of TUC for the very warm reception accorded me when I visited a few days ago.
I also thank Labour for the sincere expression of appreciation for the effort that Government is putting into addressing workers issues.
Fellow workers, It is inspiring to note that as we celebrate the life of our illustrious Founder, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and rightfully give him his pride of place, you, the gallant workers of Ghana, have also decided to recognize his invaluable contribution to giving life to the labour movement in Ghana.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) is what it is in Ghana because of Dr. Nkrumah’s acceptance and recognition that the dynamic and organic relationship between organized labour and Government is the surest way of building a Better Ghana.
Fellow workers, I take this opportunity to assure you that just as Dr. Nkrumah respected and recognized the vital contribution of the gallant workers in giving meaning to his development agenda, so shall this Administration give more meaning to Government/Labour relationship as we stay committed to building a Better Ghana.
There are certainly brighter days ahead and all I ask of you, is to support Government to build a Better Ghana.
Long live Labour Solidarity
Long live Government/Labour Solidarity
Long live our beloved Ghana and may God continue to make us greater and stronger.
Enjoy your day!!!