The President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonou, has stated that prevailing economic conditions will significantly influence labour’s demands in the upcoming base pay negotiations with the government.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Carbonou said labour unions are entering the talks with a clear understanding of the economic challenges affecting both the state and workers.
He emphasized that the negotiations should be concluded before the presentation of the 2026 budget to Parliament later this month.
“The process is a negotiation, not an imposition,” he explained. “Government will present its proposal, and labour will also bring its position. We’ll consider key economic factors such as inflation, rent, tariffs, and taxes at the ports. Even though inflation is reportedly in single digits, the prices of goods and services remain unbearable.”
Mr. Carbonou added that labour would also factor in the government’s capacity to employ newly trained professionals.
“We will consider the recruitment of nurses, teacher trainees, and our brothers and sisters who have completed school but haven’t been posted. Labour wants our young ones to be employed too, so depending on what government offers, we’ll take a balanced position,” he said.
He stressed that whatever agreement is reached should take effect from January 1, 2026.
While acknowledging slight improvements in economic indicators, Mr. Carbonou noted that the cost of living remains high, reducing the real value of workers’ salaries.
“We’re aware of the government’s constraints, but workers are struggling. Rent, electricity, and water tariffs, as well as the unstable cedi, continue to erode our income,” he said.
Mr. Carbonou emphasized that labour’s approach will be fair and collaborative, focusing not only on improving the welfare of current workers but also on creating employment opportunities for others.
“No negotiation ends with one side getting everything they want,” he remarked. “The goal is to find common ground that benefits both the workforce and the country.”
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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