Story by : Kumatey Gorden
This year’s may day celebration which was under the theme: “protecting income and pensions in a era of economic crisis; our responsibility” has been observed in the savannah regional capital, Damongo with a call by the regional coordinating Director, Mr. Adu Asamoah for all workers unions in the region to join in the commemoration of the day in the coming years.
Mr. Adu Asamoah who was speaking on behalf of the Savannah regional minister thanked the executives of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana(CLOGSAG) for making efforts to organize this year’s event but was however not happy with the number of unions that turned out for the event, stating that there are a number of workers unions in the region and so therefore, the may day celebrations should not be limited to only members of CLOGSAG and TEWU to shoulder.
He explained that, the celebration is for all the working class in the region and therefore appealed to the members of GNAT, NAGRAT, GNFS, representatives of the various Municipal and District Assemblies and all other unions in the region to join in subsequent celebrations.
He commended workers in the region for their efforts in working for the region despite the numerous challenges the are faced with at their various departments, units and agencies in their quest to work for the regions.
In an address on behalf of the executive secretary of CLOGSAG, the savannah regional CLOGSAG secretary, Mr. Sulemana Ambrose explained that, May Day is celebrated annually to serve as a reminder to the working class that the current conditions of service were not achieved on a silver platter but through their struggles over the years.
He said that the legitimate support of the union’s members which came in various forms have gone a long way to actualize some of their dreams and that what is left is more expected and therefore urged their members to be energized to continue the struggle for better conditions of service and as well join hands with other unions to protect their pension funds and schemes.
He also noted with concern that, at this point in time where the country has been thrown into a crisis to the extent that pension arrangements are being threatened even though the contributory three-tier pension scheme has begun to yield positive results, it is very relevant and significant to maintain the existing pension structure.
He also stated that, CLOGSAG is sending a warning signal to all forces, both visible and invisible, to steer clear of current pension arrangements as enshrined in the National Pensions Act, 2008(Act 766), adding that, the outcry of public sector workers especially teachers and civil servants during the beginning of the 21st century to be reverted onto government’s pension under either Cap 30 (1951) or the teachers pension ordinance 1952 which led to the setting up of the presidential commission on pensions (PCP) in 2004 chaired by Dr. T.A. Bediako of blessed memory which emphasized that by contributing towards a 3-Tier pension scheme, workers would receive gratuities or lump sums that are comparable to or better than what is paid under cap 30.
He also indicated that as workers, they are calling for a better pensions scheme that would yield reasonable gratuities/lumpsums and and therefore enjoined to hold on steadfastly, passionately and jealously guard and protect Act 766 which is yielding positive results.
He continued to explained that inspite of the obvious benefits under Act 766, CLOGSAG together with other FORUM members have had to surmount several obstacles in it’s implementation.
The public sector scheme in fending off government’s attempt to impose it’s own private pension scheme on public sector employees, ended up in court where the government was seeking to justify it’s action and to restrain public sector workers from any industrial action relating to tier – 2 pension management.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
