The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) is calling for a review of workers' salaries in light of potential transport fare hikes. According to COPEC's Executive Director, Duncan Amoah, commuters who rely on public transport would bear the brunt of higher fares due to increased fuel and maintenance costs faced by commercial transport operators. Amoah emphasized that salaries have not been increased, and those who depend on public transport would ultimately lose out.
Amoah suggested that organised labour, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), may need to engage with the government and employers on possible salary adjustments to help workers cope with rising transportation costs. He noted that the end payer, in this case, commuters, would bear the brunt of the increased fares. Amoah proposed that salaries and incomes may need to be adjusted upwards, but this would require negotiations between the TUC, government, and employers.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has been seeking an increase in fares due to rising operational costs, including fuel. Discussions between the GPRTU and the government are ongoing. Amoah acknowledged that the government's GH¢2 per litre intervention on diesel had provided some relief but had not stopped the increase in fuel prices. He noted that even with the intervention, some adjustment to transport fares could become necessary.
Amoah called for a more scientific approach to determining transport fares, suggesting that fares should be based on factors such as distance, fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and passenger numbers. He proposed a "cost-per-kilometre and cost-per-passenger model" to make fare adjustments more objective and reduce reliance on negotiations whenever operating costs change. This approach would help ensure that transport fares are fair and reflect the actual costs incurred by operators.
The COPEC Executive Director emphasized that any discussions on transport fare adjustments should also consider workers' incomes. He stressed that commuters who depend on public transport would be significantly affected by fare hikes, and their salaries should be reviewed to cushion them from rising living costs. Amoah's comments come at a time when the GPRTU is negotiating with the government over fare adjustments.
Amoah's proposal for a salary review has significant implications for workers and commuters in Ghana. If implemented, it could help mitigate the impact of rising transportation costs on workers' livelihoods. However, it would require cooperation between organised labour, the government, and employers. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) would likely play a crucial role in negotiations.
The issue of transport fare hikes and salary reviews is a pressing concern in Ghana, with many workers and commuters facing financial strain due to rising living costs. COPEC's proposal highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges. As discussions between the GPRTU and government continue, the outcome will likely have a significant impact on the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.
Key points
- COPEC's Executive Director, Duncan Amoah, suggests that workers' salaries may need to be reviewed alongside any increase in transport fares.
