Zoomlion sanitation and spraying workers have raised concerns over what they describe as extremely low monthly allowances, saying the amounts they receive do not adequately reflect the work they perform.
According to the workers, some of them receive as little as GH¢250 to GH¢400 per month, an amount they say has become increasingly difficult to survive on amid rising living costs.
The complaints emerged during protests by workers demanding payment of outstanding allowances, with some workers also raising concerns about the broader compensation structure under sanitation programmes.
Workers say receiving between GH¢250 and GH¢400 a month leaves them struggling to meet basic expenses, including transportation, food and household needs.
The situation has prompted calls for authorities to review the remuneration of sanitation workers and provide better and more sustainable working conditions.
Workers demand better pay
The workers argue that their responsibilities are demanding and that their compensation should be reviewed to reflect the nature of their work and current economic conditions.
Their concerns have added to the growing pressure for changes to contractual arrangements governing sanitation workers.
The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has also expressed concerns about the low compensation structure under previous contracts and indicated that it would push for improved pay and revised contractual terms.
Unpaid allowances add to frustration
The complaints about low pay come as workers are also demanding payment of outstanding allowances. Some protesters claim that arrears have accumulated for more than 30 months in certain cases.
Zoomlion Ghana Limited has attributed the payment delays to the late release of government funds under the MMDA Fumigation Project, assuring workers that payments would be processed once the funds are released.
For the workers, however, the combination of low monthly allowances and prolonged delays has intensified concerns about their livelihoods and working conditions.
With workers earning reportedly between GH¢250 and GH¢400 per month, the protests have put renewed focus on whether the existing compensation arrangements adequately address the financial realities facing sanitation workers.
