More than 27,000 public service workers have embarked on an indefinite strike, protesting the government’s refusal to pay their institution-specific allowances. The workers argue that the lack of these allowances is placing significant financial strain on them.
The striking institutions include the Electoral Commission, National Commission for Civic Education, Ghana Meteorological Services Department, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghana News Agency, Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Ghana AIDS Commission, Ghana Airports Company, and the Audit Service of Ghana. The workers are demanding two types of allowances: the Government Support Services Allowance and the Public Services Administration and Equity Allowance.
Despite several rounds of negotiations between the union leadership and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, which is acting on behalf of the government, no agreement has been reached.
On Monday, the strike was fully in effect, as all supporting staff and senior members of the Electoral Commission stayed away from work. At the Commission’s offices, private security guards and janitors were the only staff present, while members of the public who attempted to access services were turned away.
The Ghana News Agency has also felt the impact of the strike, with one of its two unions, the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), joining the industrial action, leaving the Communication Workers Union to manage operations.
At the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), journalists in the radio and TV newsrooms were present, but staff in other departments were absent, showing the widespread nature of the strike.
Despite calls from government officials urging the union to call off the strike, the leadership remains firm in its stance. Deputy General Secretary of the Public Service Workers Union, John Nii Donu Sampah, stated that the union is prepared to continue the strike until the government meets their demands. He also warned that if the government continues to delay, more unions may join the strike in solidarity.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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