Members of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) at the National Identification Authority (NIA) have begun an indefinite strike today, Tuesday, June 24, over the non-payment of their Operational Support Allowance. The union cites persistent delays and unfulfilled promises by the Ministry of Finance as the main reasons for the industrial action.
According to the PSWU, the allowance—which serves as the only financial top-up to the NIA staff’s modest base salary—has not been paid since January 2025. Despite a formal agreement and consistent follow-ups, the government has failed to resume payments, causing mounting frustration among staff.
The strike follows a final round of negotiations held on Monday, June 23, which ended without a clear commitment or payment timeline from the Ministry of Finance. The allowance was originally negotiated in July 2024 and disbursed between August and December that year, following discussions involving the PSWU, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the Ministry.
Union leaders say staff have shown considerable restraint since the allowance was discontinued, relying on repeated assurances from NIA management. As recently as June 18, management publicly claimed the allowance would be paid "very, very soon," but the union says Monday’s meeting produced no tangible outcome, forcing them to take action.
“This difficult but necessary decision has become inevitable,” said the PSWU–NIA Divisional Executive Council in a statement. “Despite our continuous efforts, good faith engagements, and willingness to cooperate, the response from the Ministry has lacked the urgency and seriousness the matter deserves.”
The statement also highlighted the severe financial and emotional toll on workers across all levels of the NIA—head office, regional branches, premium centres, and district offices—emphasizing that the strike is a last resort after months of inaction.
All PSWU-affiliated staff at the NIA have been directed to immediately withdraw their services. The union urged its members to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding during the industrial action.
The PSWU expressed openness to return to negotiations but made it clear that any renewed dialogue must result in the “prompt and full payment” of the outstanding allowance.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem