The Divisional Executive Council of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), TUC (Ghana), National Identification Authority (NIA) Division, has unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite industrial action starting June 10, 2024.
This decision was made at a council meeting held on May 23, 2024, in Kumasi.
Previously, the union had deferred its planned strike on March 24, 2024, following the intervention of the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations.
The government, represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the management of the National Identification Authority (NIA), had agreed to negotiate and implement better conditions of service for NIA staff.
However, the union states that the government has not shown good faith in the negotiation process.
“The government has not shown good faith in the negotiation process,” a statement jointly signed by Kwabena Adu Kyeremeh, Council Secretary, and Francis Bangfudeme Nyuzaghl, Council Chairman, in their declaration said.
As a result, services provided by PSWU members at all NIA district offices, regional offices, headquarters, and premium centers will cease indefinitely from June 10, 2024.
The strike is based on several key issues which include “the Government of Ghana Represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, National Identification Authority, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations and the Ministry of Finance and
their collaborators have blatantly defied a Pre-Negotiation condition provided for in section 2 (v) of the Rules of Engagement.
Section 2(v) of the Rules of Engagement mandates the parties to set timelines for the negotiations. This
requirement has not been fulfilled months after commencing the negotiation. Parties to the negotiation (unions) do not know when next a meeting would be called after the last meeting was adjourned indefinitely.”
Also, the Government team’s undue delays in the negotiation process, government posturing and reluctance in granting the NIA, institution-specific allowances, and failure on the part of management to implement the approved scheme of service for the staff of NIA following the announcement of its approval on March 22, 2024.
The statement called on all staff that “Until the government and management respect the policy framework and labor laws, we will not return to our offices.”
The union stressed that their conditions of service must become a priority, and all administrative issues must be rectified, including the completion and implementation of their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and the approved scheme of service.
This strike aims to address the financial and economic hardships faced by NIA staff and to ensure that their contributions to the digitalization of the Ghanaian economy are adequately recognized and rewarded.
All regional officers have been directed to inform members and ensure strict adherence to this directive for the collective good of the union.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
