A meeting between the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) on March 9 has ended without a resolution, leaving the Association’s nationwide strike in force.
According to CLOGSAG, the Commission indicated it would need to consult other key stakeholders before it could persuade the Association to call off the industrial action.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Registrar of Companies, has also thrown its support behind the strike, further intensifying the pressure on government to address the workers’ demands.
The meeting between the parties was held behind closed doors and lasted about an hour.
Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, Isaac Bampoe Addo, said the Association is waiting for feedback from the Commission following its planned consultations.
“The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission says they are going to consult. We are satisfied with that for now and we are expecting feedback tomorrow. As of now, the National Executive Council has not called off the strike,” he said.
When asked whether the Association had considered the impact of the strike on public services, Mr. Bampoe Addo maintained that the action was necessary to draw attention to the plight of workers.
“People should also consider our pockets. Our children are being thrown out of school, we are having issues with our spouses. It used to be that civil servants were held in high esteem, but now we are highly demoralised,” he added.
General Secretary of the Local Government Workers Union (LGWU), Christopher Abakah, also underscored the importance of the Union’s decision to join the strike in solidarity with CLOGSAG.
“This is a general issue. We can’t single out anybody, and it is affecting everyone. Joining the strike to fight for this is the right direction,” he stated.
Ministries record low activity
Meanwhile, government ministries across the country recorded significantly reduced activity as the strike took effect.
CLOGSAG is demanding the immediate implementation and payment of its agreed salary structure, along with improved conditions of service.
The strike is expected to continue while the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission consults stakeholders and engages the unions for a possible resolution.
By Daniel Opoku
