*UPDATE ON INITIAL BASE PAY NEGOTIATION MEETING* Dear Comrades, An initial negotiation meeting on Base Pay Adjustment was held today, Friday, 14th February 2025, at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment Conference Room in Accra. The Government Team was led by the Minister for Finance, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, and the CEO of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC). In their initial comments, the Government Team indicated that Ghana is currently recovering from an economic crisis, emphasizing the need to increase revenue and cut down on expenditure to prevent a second wave of debt restructuring. They further urged Organized Labour to support the government in stabilizing the economy. Organized Labour noted that the invitation was impromptu and requested an adjournment to allow the unions to build consensus before further engagements. The government team agreed to the request and urged Organized Labour to treat the process with urgency, as the Minister of Finance needs to factor the new base pay rates into the March 2025 budget. The next meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, 19th February 2025. We assure all members that MELPWU remains committed to securing fair and improved conditions of service. Updates on subsequent meetings will be communicated. Sincerely, *Dr. Cephas Kofi Akortor* General Secretary, MELPWU Friday, 14th February 2025