The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed strong concern over the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PRC) planned electricity and water tariff increases, warning that the hikes will effectively negate the 9 percent wage increase scheduled for workers in 2026.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Thursday, December 4, TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah said, “Because you cannot give workers 9 percent, effectively, January 2026, and also slap them with 9 percent and 15 percent for water and electricity… we think that we cannot accept this.”
He emphasized that the union will demand a review of the increases and called for proper consultations with organized labor.
Ansah criticized PRC’s consultation process, questioning why the increases were announced prematurely.
“We think that it is not proper. It undermines the good faith. And workers cannot accept this 9 percent and the 15 percent respectively in water and electricity,” he said.
While acknowledging PRC’s explanations about rising operational costs, Ansah noted persistent challenges in service delivery.
“There are so many things that a water company must do… leakages during their production and so on… We think that we cannot give this 9 percent and also increase water by 15 percent,” he stated.
The TUC plans to hold a leadership meeting on Monday to finalize its position and outline potential actions. On the possibility of industrial action, Ansah clarified, “Not now… All we want is to develop this country in peace.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
