The staff union of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has commenced an indefinite strike today, September 18, 2024, in protest against the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission’s (FWSC) failure to negotiate allowances for its members.
In a statement signed by Rebecca Colecraft, Chairperson of the NCCE Divisional Union of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) under the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana, the union revealed that it had submitted proposals to the FWSC in May 2023.
Despite several reminders and consultations, the commission has yet to engage in negotiations, prompting the union to take industrial action.
“The delay in negotiations since the submission of the proposals coupled with the actions and inactions of FWSC has worsened the plight of our members. This is because some other public sector workers have been granted different allowances to cushion them from the erosion in the value of the cedi since 2009, when NCCE had its last negotiations.”
The union’s decision to strike follows the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission’s (FWSC) failure to meet a seven-day deadline for negotiations.
The union had previously demanded that the FWSC reconvene talks by the end of the given period, but the commission did not respond.
Starting September 16, all NCCE offices will display red flags as a symbol of protest. Additionally, staff members will wear red attire and arm-bands to show solidarity. Regional Council meetings held on September 17 served to update members on the strike’s details and objectives.
The union is urging the FWSC to take necessary actions to secure the required mandate and arrange a meeting to finalize negotiations.
“We are by this notice encouraging all staff to participate actively in these actions to ensure that our demands are met,” she added.
