The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has expressed concern over the decision by the Divisional Executive Council (DEC) of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Division of the Public Services Workers' Union (PSWU) to embark on an indefinite strike starting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

The strike is set to begin despite ongoing negotiations between the union and the government.

In a statement released Tuesday, the FWSC expressed regret over the union’s decision to resort to industrial action while discussions over the conditions of service for NCCE staff are still underway.

The Commission emphasised its commitment to continuing the negotiation process and urged the union to reconsider its planned strike.

Timeline of Events Leading to the Strike

The FWSC provided a detailed chronology of the ongoing negotiations between the Government Team—comprising the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Ministry of Finance, and the management of NCCE—and the PSWU, representing the NCCE staff:

1. July 23, 2024: A pre-negotiation meeting took place, during which both parties agreed on rules of engagement. The focus was to negotiate in good faith and expedite the process without specific timelines.

On the same day, negotiations formally began. The Government Team, led by FWSC, began studying the proposals submitted by the PSWU, noting that they needed to consult the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to receive the necessary mandate for concluding negotiations.

2. August 1, 2024: Progress was made as an agreement was reached on several allowances, including the renaming of the "Professional Development Allowance" to "Professional Development Support." However, other key issues remained unresolved.
3. September 4, 2024: Another meeting was held, during which the FWSC presented counterproposals on the outstanding issues based on instructions from the Ministry of Finance. The union, however, rejected the government’s counterproposals, maintaining their original stance on allowances.
4. September 13, 2024: Despite ongoing negotiations, the NCCE Division of PSWU issued a notice of their intention to embark on strike action, citing delays in concluding the talks.

FWSC’s Response and Appeal

The FWSC refuted claims made by the union that the government was engaging in "delay tactics" during negotiations. The Commission emphasised that it has been working in good faith to address the concerns raised by the union and is committed to concluding the process.

It further explained that delays were largely due to the need for consultation with the Ministry of Finance to obtain necessary approvals and mandates for the proposals under discussion.

In light of the impending strike, the FWSC appealed to the NCCE Division of PSWU to reconsider their decision and return to the negotiation table.

The Commission assured the public that it would continue to work with all stakeholders to resolve the impasse and ensure that the welfare of NCCE staff is safeguarded.

"We appeal to the union to rescind its decision to embark on strike action and return to the negotiating table to conclude the process," said Emelia Ennin, Head of Public Affairs for the FWSC.

Ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute

The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the concerns of the NCCE staff are addressed, while urging the union to prioritize dialogue over industrial action. The statement concluded with a pledge from the FWSC to continue its engagement with the union and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a swift resolution to the dispute.

The strike, if it proceeds as announced, is expected to disrupt operations at the National Commission for Civic Education, affecting key services related to civic education and public awareness campaigns across the country.