Minority rejects 9% public sector salary increase, calls deal an ‘insult’
The Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions in Parliament has condemned the newly signed public sector remuneration agreement, describing the 9 per cent salary increase for 2027 as an insult to public sector workers.
In a statement issued on October 30, the Ranking Member of the Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, Mavis Nkansah Boadu, said the caucus had received the details of the Multi-Year Public Service Remuneration Agreement for 2027 and 2028 with shock and disappointment.
Under the agreement, public sector workers are expected to receive a 9 per cent increase in total remuneration in 2027, made up of an 8 per cent increase in base pay and a 1 per cent adjustment in conditions of service.
The adjustment is expected to rise to 10 per cent in 2028.
However, the Minority considers the increases insufficient, particularly in view of the rising cost of living and utility tariff adjustments introduced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in 2025 and 2026.
It described the proposed increases as an attack on the dignity of public sector workers.
The caucus argued that offering workers a 9 per cent remuneration increase in 2027 and 10 per cent in 2028 would do little to ease their financial difficulties, especially as households continue to grapple with rising electricity and other utility bills.
It further accused the government of imposing wage increases below inflation while leaving workers and their families to absorb the impact of increasing utility costs.
The Minority has consequently outlined four demands to the government.
First, it is calling for an immediate review of the remuneration framework through the reconvening of the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee (PSJSNC) to negotiate a living wage that reflects the cumulative increases in utility and commodity prices.
Second, it wants cost-of-living considerations to become an integral part of wage negotiations, arguing that salary adjustments should take into account the impact of rising utility tariffs on workers’ incomes.
Third, the caucus has urged the government to respect organised labour and desist from using institutional changes, including the IPEC transition, to justify what it described as inadequate wages.
Finally, it is demanding greater accountability from the leadership of Organised Labour, calling on them to publish their proposals and explain to members the reasons for accepting a two-year agreement that begins with a 9 per cent increase.
The Minority maintained its rejection of the 2027 salary adjustment, insisting that Ghanaian workers deserve dignity, economic justice and a fair share of the country’s prosperity.
It also reaffirmed its support for organised labour and workers, describing the agreement as unacceptable amid persistent increases in electricity tariffs.
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