Once again, another May Day is here with us. Tomorrow, May 1, is the day being celebrated the world over in solidarity with workers. The day is particularly observed to recognise and celebrate workers across all sectors for the sacrifices they continue to make towards national development.
That the Ghanaian worker continues to work under conditions that are nothing to write home about is an understatement. Take-home pays cannot actually take the worker home, as expected. The working environment is normally not conducive enough to ensure smooth execution of one’s assignment. The requisite tools to facilitate smooth job execution are usually not provided.
But, in spite of all these setbacks, many Ghanaian workers continue to make the effort to offer the best of services they can towards the development of the country.
Resilience
In view of the exigencies of the time, we deem it particularly worthwhile to mention the extreme dedication to work by our frontline health workers since the deadly coronavirus pandemic struck the world with its concomitant devastation. The situation has been so terrible that some of them have had to sacrifice their lives to keep others alive. We salute all such departed compatriots.
In spite of the trying moments we have found ourselves in, since the pandemic broke out, our gallant workers from all sectors, both formal and informal, have worked hard to sustain our economy, which still gives us hope that all is not lost, even though the pandemic is not over. That is how far the nation can rely on the resilience of our working force.
More sacrifices ahead
As the government seeks to pick up the pieces and rebuild the coronavirus ravaged economy, the Ghanaian worker is being called upon to even make more sacrifices, for instance, through the payment of some additional taxes.
It is also clear that even as the issue of minimum wage is being discussed, one cannot be very optimistic about any upward adjustment that can satisfy the demands and expectations of workers. We are still not in normal times.
So workers can be expected to be called upon to continue to sacrifice as they await better days ahead. When such better days will come is something one may not know.
Commendation
At this juncture, it is important to commend our workers for their patience that has engendered harmonious working relations with their employers. We want to believe that the peaceful co-existence between workers and their employers does not mean all is well with them. They certainly have issues that call for urgent attention.
We will therefore urge the government, which is the major employer in the country, to continue to dialogue with all categories of workers who have brought their concerns to the fore and seek ways to address them.
That is how we can continue to sustain the peace at the workers’ front, a condition we need to promote productivity.
Let’s live to enjoy
It is on this note that we want to say ‘Ayeeko’ to all the nation’s gallant workers on this occasion of this year’s May Day.
As we observe the occasion, let us all remember that we are still not in normal times as a result of the raging coronavirus pandemic.
It is therefore important to continue to observe all the safety protocols available. We need to live to see tomorrow to enjoy the sacrifices we continue to make today.
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