The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana has maintained its nationwide strike after talks with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on March 9 failed to reach a resolution.
The discussions, which were held behind closed doors, lasted for about an hour. However, no immediate decision was reached on the workers’ demands.
According to CLOGSAG, the Commission indicated during the meeting that it would need to engage and consult other key stakeholders before it could persuade the Association to suspend the industrial action.
The development means the strike action declared by the union remains active for now.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Registrar of Companies has thrown its support behind the strike, a move that could heighten pressure on government to address the concerns being raised by the workers.
Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, Isaac Bampoe Addo, said the Association is awaiting further communication 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 about the potential effects of the strike on public service delivery, Mr. Bampoe Addo defended the action, stating that workers were compelled to take the step to highlight the difficulties they face.
“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, Christopher Abakah, also emphasised that the union’s decision to join the strike was intended to demonstrate 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.
Across the country, the impact of the strike was visible as several government ministries recorded significantly reduced activity on the first day of the action.
CLOGSAG is demanding the immediate implementation and payment of its agreed salary structure, as well as improved conditions of service for its members.
The strike is expected to continue while the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission engages relevant stakeholders and holds further discussions with the unions in search of a possible resolution.
