Ghana’s Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has called on the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) to reconsider its nationwide strike, set for Thursday, 7 November 2024. The Commission encouraged CLOGSAG to return to the negotiation table, stressing the government’s commitment to resolving ongoing pay and work condition concerns.

In a statement, FWSC addressed the key issues that led to CLOGSAG’s planned strike. CLOGSAG recently voiced frustration over stalled discussions, urging the government to implement a new salary structure with better working conditions. The FWSC outlined the steps taken so far to address these demands, including the formation of a Technical Committee, with members from both CLOGSAG and the government, aimed at reviewing and discussing potential adjustments.

The Commission said CLOGSAG first submitted its demands for a revised salary structure to the Senior Presidential Advisor’s Office, rather than through the FWSC. While this process led to the committee’s establishment, FWSC maintains that such direct appeals bypass its legal mandate under the FWSC Act 2007, which designates it as the official body overseeing government pay policies.

The FWSC also pointed to a 2011 High Court ruling that bars CLOGSAG from opting out of the Single Spine Pay Policy, adding that this framework complicates any sudden shift to an alternative pay structure. However, on 30 October, government representatives presented CLOGSAG with an alternative proposal to address their concerns, later formalising it in writing as requested. FWSC noted, however, that CLOGSAG has yet to respond to this proposal.

In its statement, FWSC expressed concern over what it described as CLOGSAG’s disregard for official procedures and alleged dismissive treatment of FWSC’s Chief Executive, Ing. Benjamin Arthur, which reportedly included missed meetings and verbal confrontations.

Despite the setbacks, the FWSC reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing dialogue and urged CLOGSAG to reconsider its strike plan, stressing that continued cooperation is vital to achieving a sustainable solution for all parties involved.

Source:TheDotNews