The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has called on the Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU) to maintain ongoing discussions with the government team, with the goal of finalizing negotiations as quickly as possible.
The Commission sought to address misconceptions surrounding the negotiation process, clarifying that, contrary to popular belief, the government has not caused any delays in concluding the talks with the HSWU.
In addition, the Commission emphasized the importance of continued engagement to reach a timely resolution.
“The attention of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has been drawn to a press release issued by the Health Services Workers’ Union on 7th November 2024, indicating their intention to “advise themselves in a language Government best understands” if negotiations are not concluded on their Conditions of Service by Monday 11th November 2024”.
Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC)
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) further highlighted its strong and unwavering commitment to the negotiation of the Conditions of Service for members of the Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU), in full compliance with Section 97 of the Labour Act 2003, Act 651.
The Commission underscored that it has consistently worked to ensure fair and timely negotiations for the union’s members.
The Commission clarified that after the HSWU submitted its proposals, both parties came to an agreement and signed the Rules of Engagement on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, officially marking the commencement of negotiations.
According to the Commission, since then, several meetings have been held between the FWSC and HSWU to continue discussions and work towards a mutually acceptable agreement on the Conditions of Service for the union’s members.
HSWU Requests Delay in Agreement, Seeks New Negotiation Items
Moreover, the Commission stated that on October 9, 2024, the parties met with the intention of concluding and signing an agreement.
However, FWSC indicated that towards the end of the meeting, the Union requested a delay in signing, expressing concerns that the majority of their members would not benefit from the agreement.
The Commission noted that the Union also requested the opportunity to present new items for negotiation, aiming to address the concerns raised by its members for a more inclusive outcome.
“The Government Team cautioned them that this new demand would prolong the negotiations. However, the Government Team requested HSWU to put their new demand into writing.
“HSWU per letter with reference number HU/HQ/119/Vol 3/2024 dated 14th October 2024 submitted an Addendum to FWSC which was received on 15th October 2024. This development did not allow Parties to conclude and sign the initial negotiation based on the first proposals submitted”.
Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC)
The FWSC also noted that on November 5, 2024, the HSWU was invited to a meeting scheduled for November 7, 2024, but the union issued a press release just hours before the meeting, without prior notice.
In response, the FWSC expressed its view that this action constitutes an unfair labor practice and reflects bad faith. “We call on the leadership of HSWU to retract the said press release and issue an apology”.
The Commission further stated that threatening and intimidating a party, despite the goodwill shown by the Government throughout the process, is an act of bad faith, and the Government cannot be blamed for any delays in the negotiations.
The Commission further noted that during the most recent meeting between the Government Team and HSWU on November 7, 2024, only one outstanding item remained for negotiation.
Accordingly, FWSC disclosed that discussions are ongoing to finalize an agreement that is fair and beneficial to all parties involved. “A meeting has subsequently been scheduled for Monday 11th November, 2024 where parties have agreed to meet and conclude negotiations”.
The FWSC expressed surprise at the HSWU’s decision to issue a press release stating their intention to reconsider their position if negotiations are not concluded by Monday, November 11, 2024.
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