Government and Labour Meet Again Today On Utility Tariffs


A Meeting between Government and Organised Labour to thrash out  issues bordering on demands for reduction in water and electricity tariffs has again ended inconclusively .  

The closed door meeting  which was held at the Flagstaff House has been rescheduled for today. 

The Government team was led by Minister for Employment and Labour Relations Haruna  Iddrissu and Organised Labour, by Kofi Asamoah.  

Mr Idrissu said the meeting will continue and the percentage of reduction will be made known to Labour.  

Last week Thursday, Government said it will grant a reduction in tariff to lifeline consumers which consist of vulnerable persons at the bottom of the utility consumption ladder.

In a related development, the Head of Compensation at the Ghana National Association of Teachers, GNAT, Ahinakwa Quarshie says Labour is on course in getting government to reduce the utility tariffs.  

He said after government’s announcement on the tariffs today, Labour will also hold a meeting to consider it. 

Mr. Quarshie said throughout the negotiation government has maintained that the Energy sector levy cannot be reversed.  He said if the government’s reduction does not favour labour, it will advise itself appropriately.  

Also a Labour Consultant Austin Gamey says a lot of patience and tolerance is needed by both Labour and government.  He said Labour has exhibited a high level of maturity in this unrest, adding that with both sides showing openness, a resolution is in sight. 

They spoke to with George Asekere on GBC’s Current Affairs Program, “Behind the News”.



GBC