The first day of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOGSAG) strike has caused major disruptions across several key ministries, including the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, bringing operations to a near halt.
CLOGSAG is demanding a revised salary structure and improved working conditions, but talks with the government have yet to yield results.
This marks CLOGSAG’s second strike this year, affecting numerous ministries as members turn away people seeking assistance. A security officer at one of the affected ministries, who wished to remain anonymous, described the impact:
“All the offices are locked not just here, but across all ministries and civil services until further notice.
Even top officials are on strike. Unless they return to work, there’s no point in coming here.”
Earlier, the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor formed a Technical Committee with representatives from both the government and CLOGSAG to address issues under the Single Spine Pay Policy framework.
This is in line with a 2011 High Court ruling which restricts CLOGSAG from exiting the current pay structure.
On October 30, the government made a written alternative proposal, but the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) reports that CLOGSAG has yet to respond, prompting the current strike.
The strike has affected ministries such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Works and Housing, causing significant disruption to public services.
