The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has urged the Divisional Executive Council (DEC) of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Division of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), to reconsider its decision to embark on strike action on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
The Commission in a statement dated Monday, September 17, 2024, said it “regrets the decision by the NCCE Division of PSWU to embark on strike action, particularly at a time when negotiations are still ongoing.”
The Commission explained that it has been engaging with the NCCE Division of PSWU in good faith as part of the negotiation process to conclude the negotiation on the Conditions of Service for NCCE staff.
That, it said, “the FWSC has not employed any “delay tactics” as described by the union but has been engaging the union since the rules of engagement were signed on July 23, 2024.”
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The Commission said it remains committed to the negotiations, urging the NCCE Division of PSWU to reconsider its decision to embark on the strike action as planned.
Below is the FWSC statement
Fair Wages and Salaries Commission’s Response to Announced Strike Action by NCCE Division of PSWU
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has taken note of the announced intention of the Divisional Executive Council (DEC) of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Division of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), to embark on an indefinite strike action set to begin on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
The FWSC regrets the decision by the NCCE Division of PSWU to embark on strike action, particularly at a time when negotiations are still ongoing.
Chronology of events between government and PSWU on the current negotiation:
- On July 23, 2024, a pre-negotiation meeting was held where all parties agreed to the terms of the Rules of Engagement, including negotiating in good faith and expeditiously without setting particular timelines.
- On the same July 23, 2024, the Government Team, consisting of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Ministry of Finance, and Management of NCCE, began negotiations with the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) on behalf of the NCCE staff. After some deliberations, the Government Team informed the Union that they needed to study the proposals submitted by PSWU and obtain the necessary mandate from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to conclude negotiations.
- On August 1, 2024, among other allowances, an agreement was reached on the Professional Development Allowance, which was renamed to “Professional Development Support”.
- Another meeting was convened on September 4, 2024, to continue negotiations where the FWSC presented counterproposals on the outstanding items based on the mandate received from the Ministry of Finance. The Union, however, rejected the Government Team’s counterproposals and maintained their initial position on the allowances.
- While the FWSC was engaging the MoF to obtain a new mandate, the Divisional Union of NCCE, on September 13, 2024, served notice to embark on a strike action effective September 18, 2024, citing delays by the Government Team in concluding negotiations.
The Commission wishes to state that it has been engaging with the NCCE Division of PSWU in good faith as part of the negotiation process to conclude the negotiation on the Conditions of Service for NCCE staff.
The FWSC has not employed any “delay tactics” as described by the union but has been engaging the union since the rules of engagement were signed on July 23, 2024.
The Commission remains committed to the negotiations and urges the NCCE Division of PSWU to reconsider its decision to embark on strike action.
The FWSC wishes to assure the public that it will continue to engage with the NCCE Division of PSWU and other stakeholders to resolve the current impasse and ensure that the welfare of NCCE staff is protected.
We appeal to the union to rescind its decision to embark on strike action and return to the negotiating table to conclude the process.
Emelia Ennin
Head of Public Affairs
Fair Wages and Salaries Commission
Contact details
0557142525
[email protected]
Source: Graphic Online