The Divisional Executive Council of Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of Trades Union Congress (TUC), National Identification Authority (NIA) Division will embark on an indefinite industrial action on Monday, June 10, 2024 over poor conditions of service.
According to them, the government and management of NIA agreed to implement their negotiation of better conditions of service for staff of the NIA but the government has failed to give them what they deserve.
“Recall that, the union deferred its intended strike schedule for 24th March, 2024 based on the intervention of the Minister of employment and labour relations. The condition for the deferment of the strike action was that, the government represented by the FWSC and the management of NIA facilitate the negotiation and implementation of better conditions of service for staff of the NIA among others. However, the government has not shown good faith in the negotiation process.” The NIA staff said in a statement sighted by Elvisanokyenews.com.
BELOW IS THE FULL STATEMENT
DECLARATION OF AN INDEFINITE STRIKE
The Divisional Executive Council of PSWU, of TUC (Ghana), NIA Division, at a council meeting on the 23rd day
of May 2024, unanimously, have resolved to embark on an indefinite industrial action effective June 10, 2024.
Recall that, the union deferred its intended strike schedule for 24th March, 2024 based on the intervention of the
Minister of employment and labour relations.
The condition for the deferment of the strike action was that, the government represented by the FWSC and the
management of NIA facilitate the negotiation and implementation of better conditions of service for staff of the
NIA among others.
However, the government has not shown good faith in the negotiation process.
The Divisional Executive Council have 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 drum home our poor and
demeaning conditions of service.
Consequently, Services provided by our members at all the NIA District offices, Regional offices, Headquarters
and premium centers will cease indefinitely from Monday, 10th June, 2024 until further notice.
The nationwide strike is premised on the following but not limited to:
1. 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 mandate 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.
2. The Government Team’s undue delays in the negotiation process.
3. The Government Team’s posturing and reluctance in granting the NIA, Institution Specific Allowances.
4. Failure on the part of management to implement the approved scheme of service for the staff of NIA
following the announcement of its approval in March 22, 2024.
Kindly note that, until the government and management respect the policy framework enacted to guide the
administration of public institutions, and the Labour laws of this country, we would not return to our various offices
at the instance of these financial and economic hardship that the staff of NIA are experiencing.
PUBLIC SERVICES WORKERS ’ UNION OF TUC (GHANA)
DIVISIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL NIA DIVISION
All union members are hereby notified that, until our conditions of Service become a priority to the Government
and Management, and these administrative blunders fully rectified (Completion and implementation of our
CBA, Implementation of the approved Scheme of Service), we shall not return to the office. The successes
and achievements of His Excellency the Vice President on digitalization of the Ghanaian economy are the fruits
of our labour yet our toils are relegated to the gutters, and the financial and economic wellbeing of the staff are
in shambles.
All Regional Officers are to bring this directive to the attention of our members, and ensure its strict adherence
for our collective good.
END
FOR: PSWU OF TUC (GHANA), NIA DIVISION
TOUCH ONE, TOUCH ALL
9TH JUNE, 2024
Kwabena Adu Kyeremeh Francis Bangfudeme Nyuzaghl
Council Secretary Council Chairman
0559861000 0245991063
CC:
1. THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, NIA, ACCRA
2. THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, NIA, ACCRA
3. THE AG. GENERAL SECRETARY, PSWU OF TUC GHANA
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
