The Divisional Executive Council of the Technical and Supervisory Workers’ Union (TSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, representing the National Identification Authority (NIA) Division, has announced an indefinite strike starting today, June 10, 2024.
This decision was made at a council meeting held on May 23, 2024.
Previously, the union had planned a strike for March 24, 2024, but postponed it following the intervention of the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations.
The strike was deferred on the condition that the government, through the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), and NIA management, would negotiate and implement better working conditions for NIA staff.
The union claims that the government has not shown good faith in these negotiations.
As a result, all services provided by NIA staff at district offices, regional offices, headquarters, and premium centers will stop indefinitely from June 10, 2024.
The union’s reasons for the strike include:
1. The government’s failure to meet pre-negotiation conditions, particularly setting timelines for negotiations as required by the rules of engagement.
2. Delays in the negotiation process by the government team.
3. The government’s reluctance to grant institution-specific allowances for NIA.
4. Failure to implement an approved scheme of service for NIA staff, despite its announcement on March 22, 2024.
The union has stated that they will not return to work until the government and NIA management comply with public administration policies and labor laws, and their demands for better conditions of service are met.
“The Divisional Executive Council has therefore resolved to declare this indefinite strike in response to the heightened agitation of our members on the need to embark on an industrial action to highlight our poor and demeaning conditions of service,” the statement signed by Council Secretary Kwabena Adu Kyeremeh and Council Chairman Francis Bangfudeme Nyuzaghi noted.
The union emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the financial and economic well-being of NIA staff, who feel their contributions to the digitalization of Ghana’s economy have been overlooked.
By: Sandra Tetteh | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
