PSWU calls off strike- Members to resume work today

The Public Services Workers' Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana has suspended its indefinite industrial action.

The strike, initially declared on June 10, 2024, was sparked by the PSWU's demand for institution-specific allowances, particularly the Government Support Services Allowances and Public Service Administration and Equity Allowance.

The union's decision to call off the strike comes after the National Labour Commission (NLC) intervened, directing the union to negotiate with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) within a stipulated timeframe.

This was announced at a meeting between the government team, represented by the FWSC and the leadership of the Public Services Workers Union in Accra last Friday.

The General Secretary of the union, Bernard Adjei, subsequently handed over a letter announcing the suspension of the indefinite industrial action to the FWSC at the meeting.

In the letter, the PSWU directed its members to report to work on Monday, October 28, 2024.

However, the union warned that if subsequent negotiations failed to yield the desired outcome within the NLC's specified timeframe, the group would not hesitate to restart the strike without further notice.

Labour Commission order

The NLC had summoned the government team and the PSWU after it had received a notice from PSWU dated October 14, 2024 threatening to embark on an industrial action effective Monday, October 21, 2024 over their demands for two institution-specific allowances for their members.

During the NLC hearing on October 23, 2024, the FWSC gave the assurance that it had written to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and was engaging with them on the issue. The Commission directed the FWSC to convene a meeting with the Ministry of Finance and PSWU by October 31 to negotiate the allowances and related matters.

Key directives

The directives from the NLC were for the PSWU to call off the strike with immediate effect to pave the way for negotiations on their demands, negotiate in good faith with parties engaging in genuine and constructive dialogue; and to submit the negotiation outcome to the commission by November 6, 2024.

The directive was made on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 when the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and PSWU appeared before the NLC.

The NLC had summoned the government team, led by the FWSC, with the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions (MELRP) and the Ministry of Finance on one hand and PSWU on the other hand to appear before it over a labour dispute.

This was after it had received a notice from PSWU, dated October 14, 2024, threatening to embark on an industrial action effective Monday, October 21, 2024 over their demands for two institution-specific allowances for their members.

The NLC, aside from ordering PSWU to end its strike, further directed the parties to resume negotiations on the two institution-specific allowances by October 31, 2024 and communicate the outcome of the meeting to the commission by November 6, 2024.

The commission directed the parties to negotiate in good faith to address the impasse.

The NLC's intervention aims to facilitate a resolution between the union and the FWSC to ensure a harmonious industrial relations environment.

Mandate

The NLC's role in resolving labour disputes is crucial, as mandated by the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). By ordering the suspension of the strike, the NLC has paved the way for constructive dialogue and negotiation.

Reacting to the NLC’s directives, the Director in charge of Grievances and Negotiations, FWSC, Prof. Charles Adabo Oppong,  said: "We welcome the NLC's directive and look forward to continuing our engagement with the Public Services Workers Union”.

He said the FWSC was committed to resolving the outstanding issues and finding mutually beneficial solutions. 

Background

On October 15, 2024, the PSWU announced its intention of embarking on an indefinite strike on Monday, October 21, 2024, citing, among others, undue delay on the part of the government represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, to finalise negotiations on two institution-specific allowances due its members.