The Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) has suspended its indefinite strike after a directive from the National Labour Commission (NLC).
On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, the NLC instructed the union to immediately call off its strike. This directive came after representatives from both the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the PSWU met with the NLC to address the ongoing labor dispute.
The NLC had summoned the government team, led by the FWSC, alongside officials from the Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions (MELRP), the Ministry of Finance, and representatives from the PSWU to discuss the disagreement.
Earlier, on October 14, 2024, the PSWU had issued a notice threatening to start industrial action starting Monday, October 21, 2024, over demands for two specific allowances for its members.
In an interview with JoyNews, Bernard Adjei, General Secretary of the PSWU, explained that the union decided to suspend the strike after meeting with the NLC, which insisted that negotiations for improved working conditions only resume once the strike was called off.
Mr. Adjei stated 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 the 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 will Fair Wages meet us for negotiations?” Adjei said.
He further emphasized that institutions should recognize that every action has consequences.
“Institutions should understand that there are consequences for every action and decision we take. I can tell you that some management want to punish our members, and we will not do anything to put our members in harm’s way,” he added.