The National Labour Commission (NLC) of Ghana has intervened decisively in the industrial action undertaken by the Divisional Union of the National Identification Authority (NIA), a division operating under the umbrella of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU). The NLC, after a thorough hearing involving all stakeholders, declared the strike illegal and ordered its immediate cessation. This ruling stems from a procedural flaw in the strike’s initiation, as the Divisional Union lacks the legal standing to declare such action unilaterally. The Commission emphasized that only the National Union holds the authority to call a strike, thereby rendering the Divisional Union’s action invalid and in contravention of established labour laws. This firm stance by the NLC underscores the importance of adhering to proper procedures in labour disputes, safeguarding the integrity of collective bargaining processes.
The NLC’s decision follows a formal hearing convened on Thursday, June 26, 2025, where representatives from the NIA’s Divisional Union, the National Union (PSWU), and various government bodies, including the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, and the NIA itself, were present. The meeting aimed to address the ongoing impasse and seek a resolution to the issues prompting the strike. During the proceedings, the NLC sought clarification on the authorization of the strike, and the National Union confirmed that the action was initiated solely by the Divisional Union without its official sanction. This confirmation solidified the NLC’s assessment of the strike as procedurally flawed, reinforcing the need for its immediate termination.
The Divisional Union’s unauthorized action highlights a critical aspect of labour relations: the established hierarchy and authority within union structures. The NLC’s intervention serves as a clear reminder that local or divisional unions do not possess the legal mandate to independently declare industrial action. Such actions must be sanctioned and initiated by the national-level union to ensure compliance with established labour laws and procedures. This principle safeguards the integrity of collective bargaining processes and prevents fragmented or unauthorized disruptions to essential services.
Although the National Union acknowledged the procedural error and expressed regret for the unauthorized action, the NLC maintained its directive for the immediate cessation of the strike. The Union’s claim of initiating steps to end the strike was deemed insufficient by the Commission, which reiterated the necessity of immediate compliance with its order. This firm stance emphasizes the NLC’s commitment to upholding due process in labour disputes and underscores the seriousness of unauthorized industrial action. The NLC’s decisive intervention aims to restore normalcy and facilitate a structured resolution to the underlying grievances.
The NLC’s decisive action in declaring the strike illegal and ordering its immediate cessation serves as a clear message to all stakeholders in labour relations: adherence to established procedures is paramount. The unauthorized strike by the NIA’s Divisional Union underscores the importance of clear communication and adherence to the proper channels within union structures. The NLC’s intervention reinforces the principle that industrial action must be authorized by the appropriate national-level union to be considered legitimate.
To ensure compliance with its directive and to further address the underlying issues fueling the dispute, the NLC has scheduled a follow-up meeting with all involved parties on Monday, July 1, 2025. This meeting will provide a platform for assessing the implementation of the NLC’s order and for evaluating the progress made in resolving the grievances that led to the strike. The NLC’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to facilitating constructive dialogue and achieving amicable resolutions in labour disputes, thereby contributing to a stable and productive labour environment. This continued engagement aims to address the root causes of the dispute and prevent future unauthorized industrial actions.
