The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has urged the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) to reconsider its planned strike set for October 21, emphasizing that such an action would obstruct ongoing negotiations.
The FWSC cautioned that discussions with the union would be disrupted if the strike proceeds, as effective negotiations cannot occur while workers are on strike.
Earlier, the PSWU announced its decision to strike during a press conference, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to address their demands for institution-specific allowances. The union expressed frustration over the government’s prolonged inaction on these longstanding issues.
A key concern for the PSWU is the delayed implementation of recommendations made by a nine-member government-appointed committee that reviewed the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP) in 2022.
In a statement issued on October 17, the FWSC stressed that negotiations could proceed productively if the PSWU calls off the strike, urging the union to return to the table for further discussions.
“It is important to emphasize that going on strike would only cause delays in negotiations, as engagement cannot continue while one party at the negotiation table is on strike. FWSC, therefore, calls on PSWU to rescind their decision so that negotiations can continue.”
The FWSC argued that the PSWU’s decision to strike violates the rules of engagement signed and the Labour Act, Act 651.
The Commission asserted that it cannot be held responsible for delays in negotiations, as it must follow necessary processes to secure a mandate and conclude discussions.
“On 28th September 2024, FWSC submitted cost implication scenarios on the two (2) institution-specific allowances requested by PSWU for member organisations that do not receive institution-specific allowances to the Ministry of Finance.
“Therefore, FWSC cannot be cited for unduly delaying negotiations since the Commission has to follow the necessary processes to secure mandate and conclude negotiations. FWSC wishes to state that the decision to embark on strike from 21st October 2024 is against the Rules of Engagement signed and the Labour Act, Act 651, when negotiation is ongoing.”
