The National Tripartite Committee last week pegged this year’s National Daily Minimum Wage (NDMW) at GHC12.53.
The figure, which represents a six per cent increase of the 2020 figure of GHC11.82, was implemented from June 4, 2021.
In a communique to announce the new wage, the NTC said the 2022 NDMW, which was expected to be implemented from January 1, would be an eight per cent increase over the 2021 wage to GHC13.53.
It said the negotiations on the determination of the NDMW in respect of 2021 and 2022 by the NTC was in line with Section 113 (1) (a) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
The communiqué further explained that in determining the new rates, the NTC took into account the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the national economy, cost of living, and sustainability of businesses and desirability of attaining high level of employment.
It advised all establishments, institutions or organisations whose Daily Minimum Wage was below the 2021 National Daily Minimum Wage to adjust their wages accordingly with effect from June 4.
“Any establishment, institution or organisation that flouts the new rate shall be sanctioned in accordance with the law,” the communique added.
The Ghanaian Times has been in expectation of a new daily minimum wage for some time now.
We are however alarmed by the threat of prosecution of any establishment, institution or organisation that flouts the new rate.
This gives us a clear indication that some establishments, institutions or organisations knowingly disregard the law when it comes to the payment of minimum wage.
In fact, our own investigations reveal that there are workers in this country that earn salaries or wages that are way below the agreed minimum wage.
We know for a fact that some workers earn between GHC200 and GHC300 per month in various business organisations across the country in clear violations of the law. We do not recollect any of such individuals who exploit the workers have been held to account yet.
We are hopeful that this time around the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, together with the law enforcement agencies would crack the whip.
It would no longer be promises after promises to punish those who flout the law. A swift action would be taken against those who perpetrate such illegal act. We are of the view that such a move would deter others from mistreating their workers by paying them low wages and salaries.
Protection of the Ghanaian worker is a collective function of both employers and the government and we believe the time is right for duty-bearers to see to the absolute wellbeing of Ghanaians.
We are mindful of the difficult times we find ourselves. In fact, we are not in normal times. COVID-19 has compounded the problems of families across the world and the least any country can do for its workers is to ensure they are paid wages that allow them to live a meaningful life.
The post The New Daily Minimum Wage – the law must bite appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
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