NLC orders striking NIA workers back to work, gives Fair Wages Commission May deadline
The National Labour Commission (NLC) has directed striking workers of the National Identification Authority (NIA) under the Public Services Workers' Union to immediately call off their ongoing industrial action, following a meeting with all parties over delays in the implementation of a migration report affecting staff conditions of service.
The directive was contained in a statement dated Thursday, May 14, 2026, after the Commission met with the union, the National Identification Authority, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to resolve the dispute.
According to the Commission, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has been directed to facilitate the approval and implementation of the migration report for NIA staff by the end of May 2026. The striking workers, in turn, have been ordered to call off their strike with immediate effect.
The case has been adjourned to June 4, 2026, for reporting on compliance.
Background to the dispute
The issue in dispute, according to the NLC, is the implementation of the migration report of staff of the National Identification Authority, which is currently pending at the Ministry of Finance. The workers had declared a strike over the delays, demanding action on the report which affects their conditions of service.
The meeting was attended by the General Secretary of the Public Services Workers' Union, representing the complainant union, while the respondent was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary of General Services at the NIA, the Head of Legal, and the Deputy Director of Grievances from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.
Directive issued
The Commission issued two main directives: first, that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission should facilitate the approval and implementation of the migration report on staff of the NIA by the end of May 2026; and second, that the striking workers should call off the ongoing strike with immediate effect.
The statement was signed by Dr Bernice A. Welbeck, Acting Executive Secretary for the Commission.
The development brings temporary relief to the operations of the National Identification Authority, which had been disrupted by the industrial action.
