The Divisional Executive Council of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), under the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), National Identification Authority Division has announced the commencement of an indefinite strike effective Monday, June 10, 2024.

Kwabena Adu Kyeremeh, Council Secretary and Francis Bangfudeme Nyuzaghl, Council Chairman, in a statement justified the union’s decision, adding that the decision comes in response to stalled negotiations and unmet demands for improved working conditions.

“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”.
Kwabena Adu Kyeremeh, Council Secretary and Francis Bangfudeme Nyuzaghl, Council Chairman

Union’s Grievances and Demands

The Divisional Executive Council of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), under the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), National Identification Authority Division outlined several key grievances that have led to its indefinite strike action.

Key among these grievances include the violation of negotiation timelines by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, National Identification Authority, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations and the Ministry of Finance.

According to the union, Section 2(v) of the Rules of Engagement, the government was supposed to establish clear timelines for negotiations, however, despite this requirement, the union claims that months have passed without any scheduled meetings, leaving the negotiation process in limbo.

Again, the union expressed frustration over the government’s prolonged delays in the negotiation process, which they argue has exacerbated the agitation among staff of the National Identification Authority.

Lamenting over the government’s reluctance to grant institution-specific allowances, the union criticized the government’s reluctance to approve specific allowances for NIA staff, which are crucial for addressing their unique job demands.

Furthermore, the Divisional Executive Council of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), under the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), National Identification Authority Division argued that despite the announcement of an approved scheme of service for NIA staff on March 22, 2024, management has yet to implement these changes, underscoring the growing and increasing dissatisfaction among NIA staffs.

“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”.
Kwabena Adu Kyeremeh, Council Secretary and Francis Bangfudeme Nyuzaghl, Council Chairman

Impact of the Strike

In fervent call to action, the union directed the cessation of all services provided by NIA staff at district offices, regional offices, headquarters, and premium centres across the country.

The Council Secretary Kwabena Adu Kyeremeh and Council Chairman Francis Bangfudeme Nyuzaghl, further emphasized that the return of the union to work is contingent upon the government’s and management’s adherence to established policy frameworks and labour laws.

They called for the immediate completion and implementation of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the approved Scheme of Service.

The union in addition made it clear that they will not resume work until their conditions of service become a priority and the current administrative issues are fully addressed.

They also highlighted the significant contributions of NIA staff to the digitalization of Ghana’s economy, stating that these efforts have been undervalued and inadequately compensated.