The Deputy Secretary-General of Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Kenneth Koomson, has disclosed that signing the Staff Level Agreement (SLA) between Ghana and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) does not in any way alter their opposition on the attempt by government to disturb pension funds in its debt restructuring programme.
Labour has communicated right from the beginning that they are not in support of using bonds and pension funds for the debt restructuring, hence expected their position to be respected if the government is operating within the confines of the law.
The responses from the various labour unions direct to one location that there was no dialogue or communication with stakeholders hence they are not going to participate in the debt exchange program.
In an interview with host Alfred Ocansey on 3FM‘s Sunrise morning show, Ken Koomson warned: “Any attempt by government to disturb pension funds without resorting to the law and legal obligation imposed on them under the bond agreement and the respective laws that are available under the constitution of Ghana would occasion a fierce displeasure, discontent and litany of protests and agitations as far as this country is concerned.”
He explained that there is a Social Partnership Council (SPC) which is constituted by representatives of the TUC, GFL, Government, Employers and Industry but there was no dialogue or consultation with them on government’s plan for an IMF bailout until it was launched.
“It shows there was desperate attempt to carry on with the Debt Exchange Programme without due regards to procedure,” he disclosed.
The Deputy Secretary-General of GFL emphasized that the SLA does not affect the stance of organised labour because it is a contract with government as regards to bonds and investment which is governed by an agreement as attested to by the Attorney General in his legal advice to government.
“The position of labour remains that the pension of Ghanaian worker cannot be disturbed without a consultation agreement and given the required assurances as far as the IMF agreement is concerned,” Mr. Koomson reiterated.
He noted that the position that has been communicated by the various worker unions is quite clear and they are not shifting from this.
The labour leader bemoaned the paltry monthly pension given to pensioners, the undue delays and inconsistent payment which put much pressure on them hence should not compound their problem for them by touching pension fund.
By Samuel Afriyie Owusu|3news.com|Ghana