The Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has announced an indefinite strike set to commence on Monday, October 21, 2024. This decision follows a series of unresolved negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) concerning demands for Institution-Specific Allowances for PSWU member organizations.
In a press release dated October 14, 2024, the PSWU explained that their request for these allowances is long overdue, emphasizing the need for fair compensation for their members under the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP). Despite multiple attempts to resolve the matter, no agreement has been reached, leaving the union with no option but to resort to industrial action.
“It may be recalled that our request justified the urgent need to pay two Institution Specific Allowances (Government Support Services Allowance and Public Services Administration & Equity Allowance) to PSWU member organizations on the SSPP and who provide the invaluable public services that the Government delivers to Ghanaians,” the statement reads.
The union further expressed concern over the continuous erosion of their wages due to inflation and the government’s failure to conclude a review of the SSPP. They also criticized the current salary administration system as discriminatory and unfair to public sector workers.
In an earlier attempt to avoid a strike, the PSWU suspended an intended industrial action on September 27, 2024, to allow for dialogue with the FWSC. However, after engagements on September 24 and 25 yielded no progress, the union now says they are left with no choice but to strike.
“Following initial engagements with FWSC on 24th and 25th September, we, on 27th September communicated the temporary suspension of our planned industrial action to provide respite for all parties to engage in good faith with a view to reach some understandings within a fortnight. Since then, no further engagements have been held, neither have we reached any consensus on our request; let alone conclude on same,” the statement continued.
With no resolution in sight, PSWU members are poised to begin industrial action starting October 21, 2024, with the union warning that the strike will continue indefinitely until their demands are met.
