Minister of Employment and Labour Relation Haruna Iddrisu was jeered as he tried to address members of Organised Labour when they presented a petition to him after their demonstration against hikes in petroleum and utility tariffs.
Mr Iddrisu was receiving a petition from Organised Labour on behalf of government after which he tried to address the protesters present at the Black Star Square. The protesters however responded by drowning him out with boos and noise from their horns.
The Employment minister was eventually able to get his message across saying Government will continue to dialogue with organised labour to address their concerns.
Mr Iddrisu acknowledged the legitimate concerns of the protesters but said their decision to embark on such a protest was not politically prudent especially in an election year.
“You could have chosen a more easy path for political expediency not to do this even in an election year,” he told them.
Mr Iddrisu further conceded the decisions to increase prices of petroleum prices and utility tariffs were making life difficult for workers but added these decisions will benefit them in the near future.
“Some of the decisions we have taken, as difficult as they may, will be to protect your jobs for the immediate and foreseeable future,” he said.
Organised labour has been pushing for a 50 percent increase in salaries for public workers due to the introduction of new taxes and increases in utility bills.
The Public Regulatory Commission (PURC) in December 2015, increased electricity and water tariffs by 59.2 percent and 67.2 percent respectively.
This was followed by an 18 to 27 % increase in petroleum products which incensed most of the public sector unions who believe they are being overburdened with liabilities hence their decision to embark on today’s demonstration.
<<Print>>