The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has responded to the recent strike declaration by the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU), which is set to begin on October 21, 2024.

The FWSC has in a press release acknowledged the concerns raised by PSWU during their press conference of October 15, but emphasised that negotiations are ongoing, and the planned strike would contravene the Labour Act, Act 651, as well as the Rules of Engagement already agreed upon.

FWSC’s response to key concerns

The PSWU has raised issues regarding delays in negotiations over institution-specific allowances for its 46 member organisations.

However, the FWSC clarified the timeline of events leading up to the current situation. On September 19, 2024, the PSWU submitted a proposal requesting two specific allowances for its members, alongside a threat of strike action if their demands were not met.

Following the proposal submission, the FWSC stated that it swiftly initiated discussions. On September 24, 2024, the FWSC invited PSWU leadership, including representatives from all member organizations, for a meeting. The next day, both parties signed the Rules of Engagement and began preliminary discussions on the request for allowances.

Negotiations underway, Strike considered premature

During these meetings, it was agreed that cost implications for the requested allowances would need to be developed and submitted to the Ministry of Finance, which is the standard procedure. The FWSC emphasized that some PSWU member organizations already benefit from institution-specific allowances, so the focus of discussions has been on organizations that do not currently receive them.

On September 28, 2024, FWSC submitted detailed cost implications for the Ministry of Finance’s review, specifically for those organizations not already receiving allowances. FWSC stressed that this process is necessary to secure the financial mandate required for negotiations to proceed.

FWSC urges PSWU to reconsider strike action

FWSC expressed concern over the PSWU's decision to strike, stating that it is against the signed Rules of Engagement and the Labour Act, as negotiations are still ongoing. According to the FWSC, embarking on a strike at this point would delay the entire process, as negotiations cannot continue if one party is on strike.

The FWSC, therefore, called on the PSWU to reconsider its planned industrial action to allow negotiations to proceed without disruption. The Commission stressed that it remains committed to engaging with the union and reaching a resolution as quickly as possible, provided the necessary processes are followed.

As the deadline for the strike approaches, the FWSC has reiterated its commitment to the negotiation process and urged the PSWU to allow talks to continue in good faith.