The National Identification Authority (NIA) has implored the Public Service Workers Union of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider its proposed strike, slated to commence on March 25, 2024.
The Union had officially declared its intention to initiate an indefinite strike starting March 25, contingent upon the inclusion of proposed allowances in their March 2024 payslip and the approval and implementation of their Scheme of Service (SOS) by the same date.
“Failure to meet these requests on or before the stated date would be met with an industrial strike action. All union members nationwide: at the Head Office, Regional Offices, Premium Offices, and District Offices will lay down our tools until our concerns are addressed fully,” the Union declared.
Additionally, the Union demanded the regulation of the Draft Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by the specified deadline.
In response, the NIA, through a statement released on March 8, contended that the planned strike lacks factual, evidentiary, or legal foundation.
“Your intended action will only cause undue hardship to the public, particularly prospective consumers of NIA’s registration service across the country; it will cause needless maximum harm to the Republic of Ghana and inflict avoidable reputable damage on NIA and the Government of Ghana, in addition to spelling major revenue losses for the country,” the NIA warned.
The NIA cautioned that the intended action could inflict undue hardship on the public, especially those seeking the NIA’s registration services, and could harm the reputation of both the NIA and the Government of Ghana.
The management stressed the potential for significant revenue losses for the country.
Expressing optimism for a collaborative resolution, the NIA urged the Union to exercise good faith, sound judgement, and moderation in addressing the matter during these challenging times.
“Management also looks forward to your calling off your planned industrial action as we work together harmoniously, speedily and sincerely to improve the conditions of service of NIA within the bounds of law and public policy,” the NIA concluded.
The NIA concluded its statement by expressing hope for the Union to call off the planned industrial action, emphasizing a commitment to working together within the bounds of law and public policy to enhance the conditions of service at the NIA.
See statement below:
