Organized Labor has expressed its refusal to accept the government's proposition to introduce a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) in the upcoming salary negotiations for public sector workers next year.

COLA, a temporary measure intended to provide relief when immediate salary revisions are impractical, has been met with skepticism by Organized Labor. They contend that it would not have a favorable influence on pension payments and other related benefits.

Mr. Joshua Ansah, the Deputy General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), underscored their position. He clarified that their focus is on advocating for substantial salary increments instead of settling for a mere COLA.

Addressing reporters in Accra, Mr Ansah conveyed, "Choosing COLA would be ill-advised, as it fails to influence our pensions or overall earnings. Our preference is to secure the rightful compensation we deserve. Furthermore, it's important to highlight that if the government entertains IMF involvement, it must safeguard our national minimum wage from any detrimental implications."

In a related incident, Organized Labor turned down a monetary settlement proposal made by Sunon Asogli Power Limited in favor of the reinstatement of local union officials from the Ghana Mineworkers Union of the TUC who had been fired.

Organized Labor is firm in its demand for reinstatement notwithstanding Sunon Asogli's offer to pay GH1.2 million in compensation.

On that matter, Mr Ansah said: "Our intent is not to monetise our rights; our struggle centres on upholding workers' fundamental principles."

Expressing dissatisfaction with Sunon Asogli's refusal to restore the union leaders, Mr Ansah characterised the company's decision as "erroneous."

He asserted, "We hold that the termination of these leaders was unjust, and we firmly advocate for their reinstatement."

Mr. Ansah reaffirmed that until a fair settlement is reached, Organized Labour will continue to pursue the reinstatement of the union leaders.