The Public Services Workers' Union (PSWU) has suspended its industrial action following a directive from the National Labour Commission (NLC).
The suspension according to PSWU is to allow room for negotiations within a stipulated time given by the NLC.
In a statement, the Union directed all members on the subsisting single spine to report to work on Monday, October 28, 2024.
They have however warned that if the negotiation does not yield result within the time given by the NLC, they will resume the strike until further notice.
The NLC on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, instructed the union to immediately call off its strike following a meeting between the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and PSWU.
The NLC had summoned the government team led by FWSC with Ministry of Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions (MELRP) and Ministry of Finance on one hand and PSWU on the other hand to appear before it over a labour dispute.
This was after it had received a notice from PSWU dated October 14, 2024, threatening to embark on an industrial action effective Monday, October 21, 2024 over their demands for two institution specific allowances for their members.
The NLC aside ordering PSWU to end its strike further directed the parties to resume negotiations on the two institution specific allowances by October 31, 2024 and communicate the outcome of the meeting to the commission by November 6, 2024.
The commission directed the parties to negotiate in good faith to address the impasse.
The NLC’s intervention aims to facilitate a resolution between the union and the FWSC, ensuring a harmonious industrial relations environment.
The NLC’s role in resolving labour disputes is crucial, as mandated by the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). By ordering the suspension of the strike, the NLC has paved the way for constructive dialogue and negotiation.