Labor Economist Professor William Baah Boateng has urged private-sector workers to use the recent 10% increase in the minimum wage for public sector workers as a benchmark for negotiating better conditions of service.
According to him, the minimum wage and base pay adjustments are legally mandated, making it essential for all employers to comply.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News, Prof. Baah Boateng explained that the national daily minimum wage is determined by the National Tripartite Committee, comprising organized labor, employers’ associations, and the government.
He emphasized that the wage adjustment is typically anchored on inflation rates and should serve as a guideline for both public and private sector salary negotiations.
“The impact depends on where you are coming from. Since last year, we ended with inflation around 23%, meaning that what was given to labor previously did not match inflation. This 10% increase attempts to cushion workers against the decline in purchasing power caused by inflation,” he noted.
He further explained that while the wage increase benefits workers, it also raises the government’s wage bill, as adjustments to the base pay on the single spine salary structure will have a cascading effect across all levels.
“For private-sector workers, when negotiating salaries with their employers based on their conditions of service, this 10% increase serves as a guide. It ensures that workers are not left far behind in terms of purchasing power and economic stability,” he added.
Prof. Baah Boateng stressed the importance of ensuring that wage adjustments keep up with inflation to protect workers’ livelihoods and maintain economic balance.
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Source: Comfort Sweety Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
