The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has asked the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) to return to the negotiation table, following the group’s announcement of a nationwide strike on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
Addressing issues raised by CLOGSAG, including their dissatisfaction with ongoing negotiations, a demand for a new salary structure and improved conditions of service, the FWSC in a release stated that CLOGSAG initially submitted its demand for a revised salary structure to the Senior Presidential Advisor’s Office.
The release issued by the FWSC Public Affairs Unit said this led to the establishment of a Technical Committee comprising government representatives and CLOGSAG members.
This committee, it indicated, has since been working to review and discuss CLOGSAG’s proposals.
“It is very important to note that Government has been exploring alternative ways of addressing the demand for a new salary structure by CLOGSAG which will not injure the existing pay policy, bearing in mind the principles governing the negotiation of Base Pay,” it said.
According to the FWSC, CLOGSAG in its July 2024 communique acknowledged that the government was committed to resolving the relevant salary structure issues.
It further noted that the government has explored alternative ways to address CLOGSAG’s demands without disrupting the existing Single Spine Pay Policy, referencing a 2011 High Court ruling which prohibits CLOGSAG from opting out of this pay structure.
Whilst discussions by the Technical Committee with CLOGSAG were still ongoing, the latter on October 22, 2024, issued a notice to embark on strike indicating that “several meetings had been held on the matter without any firm offer from the Government side.”
“It is instructive to note that in a meeting held on October 30, 2024, the Government Team made an alternative proposal aimed at addressing the concerns of CLOGSAG, which they requested the Government Team to put into writing,” the statement said.
However, the FWSC disclosed that CLOGSAG is yet to respond to this proposal.
The Commission further highlighted that CLOGSAG bypassed FWSC’s formal processes by directly submitting demands through the Senior Presidential Advisor, a move the Commission described as undermining its mandate.
The FWSC Act 2007 (Act 737) designates FWSC as the official body to handle government pay policies.
In addition, FWSC noted instances where CLOGSAG has dismissed FWSC’s Chief Executive, Ing. Benjamin Arthur, by refusing to attend scheduled meetings, and allegedly making verbal attacks, thus showing disregard for the Commission’s role.
Despite these setbacks, FWSC emphasised the government’s willingness to continue discussions with CLOGSAG, and encouraged the Association to abandon its strike plans, citing the importance of collaborative dialogue in finding a mutually acceptable solution.
The FWSC urged CLOGSAG to return to the negotiation table to achieve a timely resolution of their grievances, stressing that solutions can be reached within the framework of the Single Spine Pay Policy.
A Daily Guide Report