News Commentary commends hardworking Ghanaian workers on the occasion of May Day and emphasizes the necessity of sustained tripartite partnerships between government, employers, and labor to provide enduring economic relief for Ghanaians.
This year, Ghanaian employees are once again privileged to observe the International employees' Day of Solidarity, also known as May Day, on Monday, May 1. This serves as a reminder of our emancipation from servitude as laborers almost a century and a half ago, allowing us to work with dignity and independence.
It allows workers and their social partners (employers) to negotiate on matters of employment, non-employment, and terms and conditions of service, in contrast to the period preceding workers' liberation from 16th-century employer or masters-employee-task systems. Capital and Labor are now viewed as equal stakeholders in the workplace.
Primarily, labor serves to satisfy a person's physiological requirements. This includes current and future sustenance, clothing, and shelter. The theme "Protecting Incomes And Pensions In An Era Of Economic Crises: Our Responsibility" is suitable for the May Day celebration in 2023. Our survival as employees, both now and in the future, is largely dependent on current wages and pensions. Consequently, pensions must be regarded as sacred and, as such, should under no circumstances be violated, if the recent experience regarding the investment of pensioners in this country is any indication. Achieving a living wage for Ghana's workers and, by extension, safeguarding incomes and pensions, must be the responsibility of all parties involved in the country's socioeconomic equation.
As workers, the annual celebration of May Day has imbued us with an irresistible sense of belonging in the labor fraternity, which should motivate labor to give its best at the workplace, to increase productivity for the organizations' profits, for sustainable economic growth and national development for the common good, as well as for the benefit and welfare of the individual worker and workers in general. Employers must also demonstrate commitment and pay workers a living wage in accordance with international standards, commensurate with their toils and sacrifices, in order to increase productivity, which should result in economic growth and national development. Government-Employer-Labor must be utilized more efficiently and effectively to find a lasting solution to this country's intractable economic problems in order to achieve sustainable and long-lasting economic relief for the workers and the good people of this country.
As Trade Unions and workers, we will continue to perform the role expected of us in the economic emancipation and freedom of the nation by working diligently despite the difficult, low-paying, and hostile working conditions and environments we face. In a similar manner, the remaining two members of the triumvirate, employers, should motivate workers by instituting a living wage and halting the casualization of employment, while the government promulgates sound and effective economic policies and programs that will foster economic growth and development. Workers should be regarded with dignity, respect, and provided with all the tools and equipment necessary to enhance their work and well-being. It is pitiful and disgraceful to hear and know that some people in political power or positions discuss and make fun of the meager salaries of other employees, whose monthly or annual gross salaries are comparable to the politicians' two allowances.
If all vices, such as corruption, absenteeism, sloth, mismanagement, and improper care of public funds and property are to be eliminated or minimized, workers deserve the best. Improve employee retention by treating them well, to the benefit of all.
On this note, we salute all GALLANT WORKERS OF GHANA for their tireless efforts and sacrifices toward the economic recovery of their country. LONG LIVE THE INTERNATIONAL WORKERS' DAY OF SOLIDARITY! LONG LIVE GALLANT WORKERS OF GHANA!!