NLC orders NIA Divisional Union to end “unlawful” strike immediately

The National Labour Commission (NLC) has ordered the Divisional Union of the National Identification Authority (NIA), under the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), to immediately end its ongoing strike, declaring the action illegal and procedurally flawed.

In a statement released on Friday, June 27, 2025, the Commission described the strike as a breach of Ghana’s labour laws. The directive followed a formal hearing held on Thursday, June 26, where representatives from the union and relevant government institutions were brought together to discuss the impasse.

At the meeting, the NIA’s Divisional Union was represented by its Divisional Chairman and Deputy General Secretary of the National Union. On the government’s side, representatives included officials from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, and the NIA.

During deliberations, the NLC requested clarification on the origin and authorisation of the strike. The National Union confirmed that the action had been declared solely by the Divisional Union.

“The Commission, however, ruled that the strike was procedurally flawed, as local or divisional unions do not have the legal mandate to declare industrial action.”

Acknowledging the violation, the National Union admitted the procedural error and offered an apology to the Commission. Although union leaders said they had initiated efforts to end the strike, the NLC deemed those steps insufficient and insisted the strike must cease immediately.

“Although the union claimed it had initiated steps to end the strike, the Commission ruled that those measures were insufficient and reiterated that the strike must be halted immediately.”

The NLC has scheduled a follow-up meeting with all parties on Monday, July 1, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. to assess compliance with its directive and review progress made in resolving the issues at the centre of the dispute.