Pay workers well to curb strikes
The Founding Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has called for adequate remuneration for public sector workers to curb the rampant industrial actions in the country.
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Professor Philip E.Bondzi-Simpson suggested that an effective and efficient salary structure that fairly considered the needs and interest of public servants should be implemented.
“The present public sector salary structure has multiple-spines which is not only confusing but also unjustified,” he stated.
Speaking at the inaugural Mfantsipim “Dwen Hwe Kan” lecture in Accra, Prof Bondzii-Simpson indicated that, “until public workers are well remunerated, there will be a rise in industrial actions and other attendant issues.”
It was held on the topic: “Nation-building and national interest: A regime for determining public- sector compensation.”
Lecture
The annual lecture, organised by the Mfantsipim Foundation in collaboration with the Mfantsipim School in the Central Region, provides a platform for the alumni of the school to deliberate on topical national and global issues related to leadership.
It forms part of the school’s Founders’ Day.
Cost-cutting
Prof. Bondzi-Simpson said despite reports that public sector wages, salaries and allowances were the single largest expenditure item on the national budget, the country continued to experience sustained industrial actions.
Proposing some models to correct the public sector salary structure, he suggested the need for significant cost-cutting measures to control waste of resources and abuse of the system.
The dean further suggested that people who accepted postings to deprived communities should be remunerated appropriately to motivate them to stay.
“This will induce people to serve in underserved geographical areas,” he stated.
Appeal
The Chairman of the UCC Council, Nana Samuel Brew-Butler, also added his voice to the call on the government to ensure that public sector workers were appropriately rewarded to motivate them work hard.
“Industrial actions hinder national development and it should not be encouraged at all,” he said.
He also urged workers to work hard in their respective fields of endeavour to justify the need for an increase in their renumerations, and added that “ wherever you are placed, you must put in your best and be proud of yourself.”