We need proactive steps to stem strikes

The decision by the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) to back down on its strike action is heartwarming and welcome.

This is in view of the fact that we cannot afford, as a nation, to deny Ghanaians some core services that are reasonably required in the quest for good corporate governance.

Without a shred of doubt, the membership of CLOGSAG plays a vital role in the day-to-day running of the country.

It, therefore, became a matter of national concern when the group decided to embark on a strike on July 27, 2016 to press home its demand for equity in the categorisation of market premiums for workers.

Its contention is predicated on the fact that with the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) in 2010 which streamlined salary administration and adjusted the salaries of government workers, its members have been ignored.

Thankfully, President John Mahama intervened and called for an end to the impasse, necessitating the Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG to promise that the strike would be called off because of the pledge made by the President to consider its grievances next year.

The Daily Graphic considers this as a healthy development that must be encouraged. But we are of the view that the intervention by the President could have been avoided if a more proactive stance had been adopted.

A more constructive engagement with workers’ unions could go a long way in preventing some of the needless situations that we have found ourselves in which, in some circumstances, have led to loss of lives.

We have witnessed a number of industrial actions in the recent past, and while the legitimacy of such actions remains largely unquestionable, it is high time we paused to critically reflect on the impact that such actions have had on national productivity.

That is the more reason we do not have to wait for simple situations, evident in the murmurings, rumours, attitudes and general composure of the workforce, to degenerate into situations that have repercussions on national development.

We think there will be industrial harmony if employers are more proactive in engaging with workers’ unions at the various workplaces to address concerns that could later grow to become daunting challenges for the nation.

The Daily Graphic believes that we have reached a stage in our development where negotiations, rather than industrial actions, should spell our way forward.

When we do so, not only will we calm the nerves of social partners but also do much to save lives and resources and assuage some of the pain that come when essential services are withdrawn in the exercise of democratic rights.