NLC orders NIA to call off the strike immediately

The National Labour Commission (NLC) has ordered the immediate suspension of the ongoing strike by the Divisional Union of the National Identification Authority (NIA), declaring the action unlawful and procedurally flawed.

The directive follows a hearing held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, which brought together representatives from the striking Divisional Union, the National Union of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), and key government institutions including the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), and the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment.

During the hearing, the National Union admitted that the strike had been declared
solely by the Divisional Union, a move the NLC ruled as inconsistent with Ghana’s labor laws, which prohibit local or divisional unions from initiating industrial action independently.

The National Union, according to NLC acknowledged the error and apologised.
The NLC described the ongoing strike as unlawful, citing the lack of proper authorization, and directed that it be called off immediately.

“The Commission observed that it received notification of strike declared by the Divisional Union, NIA of PSWU and asked the National Union to confirm same or otherwise. In response to the Commission’s inquiry on who called the strike, the National Union confirmed that the Divisional Union called the strike. The Commission said that it was wrong, and the National Union apologized for that wrong procedure”

In addition, the Commission instructed the National Union to engage the NIA, MoF, and FWSC on outstanding matters, including the demand for a 20% operational support allowance.

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for July 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., where all parties are expected to report on compliance with the NLC’s directives and provide updates on the progress of negotiations.

The Commission stressed the importance of resolving labor disputes through proper legal channels in line with Ghana’s labor laws.

However, Divisional Chairman of the Public Services Workers Union, NIA Division Francis Bangfudeme said they have had some assurances from the government.

However, they will decide on the strike directive later.