NIA workers suspend strike while negotiations with FWSC continue

Employees of the National Identification Authority (NIA) have called off the strike that began on Monday, June 10.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, NIA staff said their decision was influenced by interventions from various stakeholders, including the Minister of National Security, the Fair Wages Commission (FWSC), the National Labour Commission and public outcry from concerned Ghanaians.

The employees stated that the FWSC had assured them that it would act in good faith with regard to their conditions of service in future assignments.

“However, this gesture will be put to the test on Friday 14 June 2024. Members can therefore be assured that if the Government does not show genuine confidence by granting us institutional allowances at the end of negotiations on Friday, we will not hesitate to return to our industrial action. This must be noted,” they added.

“We hereby appeal to all members to report to work tomorrow, Thursday, June 13, 2024, and to discharge our duties professionally,” NIA staff said.

On June 10, NIA workers went on strike to demand better working conditions, citing poor working conditions and delays by the government in negotiating their allowances.

The union said it had postponed an initial strike notice to March 2024 following intervention by the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations.

However, the government’s lack of progress in the negotiation process forced the unions to take industrial action.

As a result, all NIA offices, including district, regional and premium centres, ceased operations from Monday, leaving applicants frustrated and in limbo.

Meanwhile, NIA staff said they hope for a positive outcome of Friday’s negotiations and urged the FWSC and other stakeholders to act in the interest of industrial peace.

Read the full statement below:

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