A Division of the Public Service Workers’ Union (PSWU) at the National Identification Authority (NIA) has declared an indefinite strike over the poor conditions of service for staff of the NIA. According to a statement announcing the strike on Sunday, the Divisional Executive Council of PSWU at the NIA ‘unanimously’ resolved at a council meeting held on May 23 to embark on an indefinite strike effective Monday, June 10.

The union deferred an intended strike on March 24 this year after an intervention by the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations under condition that the government represented by Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the management of NIA facilitate the negotiation and implementation of better conditions of service for staff of the NIA. The union is however of the opinion that 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”, the statement continued

The strike which will take place nationwide is premised on four (4) items:

1. The Government of Ghana Represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, National Identification Authority, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations and the Ministry of Finance and their collaborators have blatantly defied a Pre-Negotiation condition provided for in section 2 (v) of the Rules of Engagement. Section 2(v) of the Rules of Engagement mandate the parties to set timelines for the negotiations. This requirement has not been fulfilled months after commencing the negotiation. Parties to the negotiation (unions) do not know when next a meeting would be called after the last meeting was adjourned indefinitely.
2. The Government Team’s undue delays in the negotiation process.
3. The Government Team’s posturing and reluctance in granting the NIA, Institution Specific Allowances.
4. Failure on the part of management to implement the approved scheme of service for the staff of NIA following the announcement of its approval in March 22, 2024.

As a consequence, from Monday, June 10, services provided by the NIA at all its District offices, Regional offices, Headquarters and premium centres will cease operations indefinitely.