A coalition of aggrieved labour unions has lashed out at the government over what they describe as an “insulting and disrespectful” salary increment proposal, following the government’s decision to adjust its initial 2.5% offer to 5% during ongoing negotiations for public sector base pay for 2026.
The unions, which include key representatives from the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), and the Health Services Workers Union (HSWU), say the revised offer demonstrates a “complete lack of empathy and appreciation” for the sacrifices of public sector workers who continue to sustain critical state institutions under worsening economic conditions.
According to the unions, the proposed 5% increase falls far below expectations, especially given the current cost-of-living crisis, high inflation, and rising utility and transportation costs that have severely eroded real wages.
“Government’s insulting offer of 2.5%, later adjusted to 5%, shows a complete lack of empathy and respect for the sacrifices of public sector workers,” a joint statement by the unions read. “We have endured enough economic hardship while being asked to do more with less.”
Union leaders argue that while government officials enjoy multiple allowances and incentives, ordinary public workers struggle to meet basic needs. They further warned that if the government fails to present a reasonable counteroffer that reflects prevailing economic realities, they will have “no choice but to activate nationwide industrial action.”
The unions are reportedly pushing for a minimum 20% increase in base pay to cushion workers against inflation, which the Ghana Statistical Service currently pegs at around 25%.