On Thursday, 26 June 2025, the National Labour Commission (NLC) met with representatives over the ongoing strike declared by the Divisional Union of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Public Services Workers Union (PSWU).
Representation:
- The National Union was represented by the Deputy General Secretary (PSWU), the Divisional Chairman (NIA-PSWU), and others.
- The Respondents included representatives from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the NIA Human Resources Department, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment.
Confirmation of Strike:
The Commission confirmed receiving formal notification of the strike and asked the National Union to clarify who had declared it. The National Union admitted the strike was called by the Divisional Union. The NLC ruled this was procedurally wrong, as under the law, only a national or registered union can legally declare a strike. The National Union apologised for the procedural error.
Next Steps:
The Union stated it had begun steps to call off the strike, but the Commission found this insufficient and directed as follows:
- The ongoing strike instituted by the Divisional Union must be called off immediately.
- The National Union must engage with the NIA, the Ministry of Finance, and FWSC on the payment of the 20% operational support allowance.
All parties are expected to report back to the Commission on 3 July 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
The Commission emphasised that any industrial action must follow the proper legal process and encouraged continued dialogue to resolve outstanding issues.
By Peter Quao Adattor
