Report by Edward FRIMPONG
The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union has urged the government not to renege on its commitment to pay the cost of living allowance (COLA).
The leadership of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union (MELPWU) which holds the bargaining right for medical laboratory Professionals wish to declare its support for organised labour’s call for a cost of living allowance (COLA).
It is stipulated in their statement that the economic hardship in the country is affecting all public sector workers including medical laboratory Professionals.
It is in their belief that, the payment of the COLA, as demanded by organised labour, though not sufficient will cushion workers a little against the increasing cost of living.
Cost of living is tied to wages so when things cost more, more money is needed to pay for them. The cost of basic goods and services in the country including the non-negotiable ones have all gone up.
Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union is therefore urging the employer to negotiate with organised labour in good faith and give a solution that cushions workers and retirees.
The union stated that it cannot restrain its members when it becomes necessary to join force to press home the demand if the employer is not seen to be acting in the best interest of workers regarding the payment of COLA.
MIDWIVES DESERVE COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE (COLA)
Meanwhile the leadership of National Association of Registered Midwives, Ghana (NARM GH) has issued statement that they are in much agony of how the well-being of Midwives are handled in these challenging times.
In rigorous observation, the cost of living in Ghana has been high, particularly this year 2022 due to economic crises.
Per their statement, they are seeking to add their voice to the ongoing concerns of various unions advocating for an immediate implementation of at least 20% cost of living allowance for public sector health service workers which include Midwives in order to make workers feel at ease in this difficult times.
NARM GH which has the best interests of all Midwives at heart, especially their welfare is imploring its members to remain calm and have faith in the leadership, who is making a lot of effort to deliberate with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the government to improve the standard of living.
The leadership stated that in order to prevent more industrial strikes, government must acquiescently pay the cost of living allowance (COLA) to all employees in the public sector immediately.
