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Public Services Workers Union begins indefinite strike over unmet demands
Accra, Ghana - October 21, 2024 - Today, Monday, October 21, 2024, members of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) begin an indefinite strike in response to the government's failure to meet their demands for institution-specific allowances.
Despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue, the government's refusal to honor these allowances has added to the financial strain on public service workers, prompting the union's frustration.
The PSWU has been advocating for the implementation of allowances that reflect the unique challenges faced by its members within specific institutions.
However, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has urged the union to reconsider its decision, stating that the strike would disrupt ongoing negotiations and prevent further discussions.
The FWSC, in its October 17 statement, reiterated its willingness to continue negotiations but emphasized that progress would be hindered if the strike proceeded.
“It is important to emphasise that embarking on strike action would rather cause delays in the negotiations since engagement cannot continue while a party at the negotiation table is on strike. FWSC, therefore, calls on PSWU to rescind their decision so that the negotiation can continue.”
FWSC argued that the decision by PSWU to embark on strike is against the rules of engagement signed and the Labour Act, Act 651.
It stated that it cannot be blamed for delays in negotiations, as it must follow the necessary processes to secure a mandate and conclude discussions.
“On 28th September 2024, FWSC submitted cost implication scenarios on the two (2) institution-specific allowances requested by PSWU for member organisations that do not receive institution-specific allowances to the Ministry of Finance.
“Therefore, FWSC cannot be cited for unduly delaying negotiations since the Commission has to follow the necessary processes to secure mandate and conclude negotiations. FWSC wishes to state that the decision to embark on strike from 21st October 2024 is against the Rules of Engagement signed and the Labour Act, Act 651, when negotiation is ongoing.”
Source: Lead News Online
