The Divisional Executive Council (DEC) of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Division of the Public Services Workers’ Union of TUC (Ghana) has declared its intention to embark on an indefinite strike action effective Wednesday, September 18.
The nationwide action is in protest of the alleged failure of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to reconvene for the continuation of their negotiations after a seven-day ultimatum given at the last meeting.
A statement issued by the Divisional Chairperson, Rebecca Colecraft, noted that the union submitted proposals to the FWSC for the negotiation in May 2023.
However, the Commission failed to come to the negotiation table despite several reminders and consultations.
“The Rules of Engagement for the negotiations were discussed on May 6, 2024. A request by the union for a timeframe to complete the negotiation was denied. It was not until July 23 that the FWSC reconvened a meeting for negotiations to begin.
“At the last meeting, held on September 4, 2024, it became clear to the union that the FWSC was not ready to negotiate in good faith and was merely employing unnecessary delay tactics to frustrate the process,” the statement read in parts.
It further stated that the delay in negotiations since the submission of the proposals, coupled with the actions and inactions of the FWSC, has worsened the plight of their members.
“DEC, in an emergency meeting today, considered the current economic hardship, the constant erosion of our purchasing power, the deplorable working conditions of staff, and the unnecessary delay in the negotiation process. It has therefore resolved to embark on this industrial action to press home our demands for FWSC to immediately secure the necessary mandate and reconvene a meeting to conclude the negotiations,” the statement added.
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