Staff of the National Identification Authority (NIA) have commenced an indefinite strike action effective Tuesday, June 24, 2025, over the non-payment of their Operational Support Allowance.
The decision, described as “difficult but necessary,” follows a final engagement with the Ministry of Finance on June 23, which failed to yield any concrete timeline or commitment to resume the stalled payments.
According to the Divisional Executive Council of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) – NIA, the allowance, which supplements the staff’s modest salaries, was agreed upon in July 2024 and was paid from August to December 2024, but has since been suspended.
In a statement issued today, the Union expressed frustration over the Ministry’s repeated delays and broken promises despite persistent follow-ups and public assurances.
“Despite Management’s public commitment during a June 18 press briefing that the outstanding allowances would be paid ‘very, very soon,’ no progress has been made,” the statement noted.
The Union stressed that members across all NIA offices are under severe financial strain and called for immediate resolution.
“All PSWU members at the NIA are directed to withdraw their services indefinitely until our legitimate concerns are addressed,” it concluded, adding that the Union remains open to constructive dialogue with authorities.
