The Public Services Workers' Union (PSWU) has suspended its industrial action following a directive from the National Labour Commission (NLC).

The NLC issued the directive on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, instructing the union to immediately call off its strike.

This came after both the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the PSWU appeared before the NLC to address the ongoing labour dispute.

• Read also: Labour Commission directs Public Services Workers Union to suspend strike action

The NLC had summoned the government team—led by the FWSC, along with the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions (MELRP), and the Ministry of Finance—and representatives from the PSWU to mediate the disagreement.

The PSWU had earlier issued a notice on October 14, 2024, threatening to initiate an industrial action starting Monday, October 21, 2024, over demands for two institution-specific allowances for its members.

Speaking to JoyNews, the General Secretary of the PSWU, Bernard Adjei, explained that the union decided to suspend the strike after meeting with the NLC, which insisted that negotiations for improved working conditions could only resume once the strike was called off.

• Read also: PSWU serves notice of strike from Oct. 21 over unresolved salary disputes

Mr Adjei confirmed that union members are expected to return to work on Monday, October 28, with negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission scheduled to resume next week.

“It’s just a matter of communication, but yes, people will fully report to the office on Monday. We’ve suspended the strike as part of the Labour Commission’s directives. If we don’t suspend it, how would Fair Wages meet us for negotiations," Adjei said.

He further emphasised that institutions should understand that every action comes with consequences.

"Institutions should know that there are consequences for every action and decision we take. I can tell you that there are management who also want to punish our people. And we will also not do anything to put our members in harm's way,” he added.

Read the full statement below