The Divisional Executive Council (DEC) of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) within the Public Services Workers' Union of TUC (Ghana) has announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike.

The strike, set to commence today, Wednesday, 18 September 2024, according to the union, follows the failure of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to reconvene negotiations after a seven-day ultimatum issued during their last meeting.

In a statement issued and signed by the Divisional Chairperson, Rebecca Colecraft, the union expressed frustration over the delayed negotiations regarding staff allowances, which they submitted to the FWSC in May 2023.

Despite repeated reminders, the FWSC has allegedly failed to engage with the union meaningfully.

"The Rules of Engagement for the negotiations were discussed on May 6, 2024. A request by the union for a timeframe to complete the negotiation was denied. It was not until July 23 that the FWSC reconvened a meeting for negotiations to begin," the statement revealed.

The statement further noted that the union's meeting with the FWSC on September 4, 2024, showed a lack of commitment from the commission.

"At the last meeting, it became clear to the union that the FWSC was not ready to negotiate in good faith and was merely employing unnecessary delay tactics to frustrate the process," the statement indicated.

The NCCE workers highlighted the dire economic conditions they face due to the stalled negotiations, worsened by their eroding purchasing power and poor working conditions.

"DEC, in an emergency meeting today, considered the current economic hardship, the constant erosion of our purchasing power, the deplorable working conditions of staff, and the unnecessary delay in the negotiation process.

“It has therefore resolved to embark on this industrial action to press home our demands for FWSC to immediately secure the necessary mandate and reconvene a meeting to conclude the negotiations," the statement added.

The union insists that the strike will continue until the FWSC addresses their concerns.