The strike by the staff of the National Identification Authority (NIA) is beginning to bite hard as it enters its third day. The workers are demanding improved working conditions from the government.
Applicants who visited the National Identification Authority’s offices in the Ashanti region to register or renew their Ghana cards in Kumasi were turned away as the offices remained closed.
Hawa Ali, an applicant who travelled from Manso Adubea to the Ashanti regional office was left disappointed.
She is thus reiterating calls for the government to address the concerns of the striking workers to prevent the frustration that applicants are currently going through due to the strike.
“I am from Manso Adubea. I wanted to register for the Ghana Card, but I learned they are on strike. So I am appealing to the government to address their concerns so they can come back to work. I needed it as a requirement to open a bank account.
“Their absence has really affected me. Imagine coming all the way from Manso Adubea purposefully for this only to meet their absence. I’ve just wasted my transport fare. So I’m appealing to the government to come to their aid.”
Another applicant said, “I lost my money and my Ghana Card this morning, so I wanted to come and get a replacement of the lost card, only to get here and be told that the workers are on strike.
“I need a replacement card urgently so I don’t possibly lose my job. I am therefore appealing to the government to address the concerns of the striking workers so they can return to work.
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The Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) has levelled serious accusations against the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), alleging a lack of good faith in addressing the concerns of staff of the National Identification Authority (NIA).
According to PSWU, FWSC has persistently ignored the appeals and grievances of NIA staff despite numerous attempts to engage in dialogue.
The alleged neglect has prompted NIA employees to embark on a strike, demanding improved working conditions and fair treatment.
The Deputy General Secretary of the Public Services Workers Union, George Sampah, expressed the union’s deep frustration and determination to fight for what he said the union believes members rightfully deserve.
In a recent statement, PSWU’s Deputy General Secretary emphasised the union’s disappointment with various labour institutions, especially the National Labour Commission, accusing them of failing to uphold their mandate and protect the rights of workers.
“We are disappointed in most of the labour institutions in this country. Because you go to even the National Labour Commission, they will order the Fair Wages, they will order the Ministry of Finance to give a mandate and to make sure that something is negotiated and it is never done and there is nothing that they are able to do against them.
“So we are disappointed. We are disappointed in Fair Wages that it can start negotiations that can take almost forever to be completed.”
