The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has expressed regret over the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Division of the Public Services Workers' Union (PSWU) decision to initiate an indefinite strike starting September 18, 2024.

According to the FWSC, negotiations concerning the conditions of service for NCCE staff are still ongoing and dismissed claims of delay tactics as unfounded.

In a press release signed by Head of Public Affairs, Emelia Ennin, dated September 17, the FWSC detailed the negotiation timeline.

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A pre-negotiation meeting held on July 23, 2024, established the terms of engagement, with all parties agreeing to negotiate in good faith.

 “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, an agreement was reached to rename the Professional Development Allowance to "Professional Development Support" among other allowances.

A subsequent meeting was held on September 4, 2024, to advance the negotiations, during which the FWSC presented counter proposals on outstanding issues, as directed by the Ministry of Finance.

However, these proposals were rejected by the Union and maintained its original position on the allowances.

“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 reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing negotiations and urged the NCCE Division of PSWU to reconsider its strike decision.

 “We appeal to the union to rescind its decision to embark on strike action and return to the negotiating table to conclude the process,” a piece of the letter said.