The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) staff union has begun an indefinite strike today, September 18, 2024, in protest against the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission’s (FWSC) failure to negotiate allowances for its members. The union, led by Chairperson Rebecca Colecraft, had submitted proposals to the FWSC in May 2023, but despite numerous reminders and consultations, the commission has yet to engage in meaningful negotiations.
This delay has worsened the plight of NCCE staff, particularly since other public sector workers have received allowances to cushion them from the erosion in the value of the cedi since 2009, when NCCE last had negotiations. The FWSC’s inaction prompted the union to take industrial action.
The strike follows the FWSC’s failure to meet a seven-day deadline for negotiations. The union had demanded that the FWSC reconvene talks by the end of the given period, but the commission did not respond.
In a show of solidarity, all NCCE offices will display red flags starting September 16, and staff members will wear red attire and arm-bands. Regional Council meetings were held on September 17 to update members on the strike’s details and objectives.
The union is urging the FWSC to secure the required mandate and arrange a meeting to finalize negotiations. “We encourage all staff to participate actively in these actions to ensure our demands are met,” Colecraft added.
However, the FWSC has responded, expressing regret over the union’s decision to strike, particularly while negotiations are ongoing. The commission claims it has been engaging with the union in good faith since July 23, 2024.
According to the FWSC, negotiations began on July 23, 2024, with an agreement on the Professional Development Allowance. Further meetings were held on August 1 and September 4, 2024, but the union rejected the government’s counterproposals.
The FWSC maintains it has not employed delay tactics and remains committed to negotiations. The commission appeals to the union to reconsider its decision to strike and return to the negotiating table.
The strike’s implications are far-reaching, affecting not only NCCE staff but also the broader public. The FWSC assures the public that it will continue engaging with the union to resolve the impasse and protect NCCE staff’s welfare.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the government and the NCCE staff union navigate this complex issue.
