FWSC demands apology from HSWU

By Zeenatu Abubakar, Accra

THE Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) is demanding an apology and retraction from the Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU) for what it claims is a breach of the Labour Act.

The FWSC described a recent notice of an intended strike action by the HSWU as an unfair labour practice and a demonstration of bad faith.

In a press release, the union announced its plan to embark on a nationwide strike to protest working conditions.

The union stated that it would “advise itself in a language the government best understands” if negotiations regarding its conditions of service were not concluded by Monday, November 11, 2024.

But Chief Executive of the FWSC, Benjamin Arthur, urged the HSWU to continue its negotiations with the government to reach a timely conclusion.

He emphasized that the commission had consistently shown commitment to resolving the conditions of service for HSWU members.

Arthur noted that the commission and union representatives last met on October 9 to finalize and sign an agreement.

However, at the end of that meeting, the union requested a delay in signing, expressing concerns that the current agreement might not benefit a majority of its members.

They subsequently requested to introduce new items for negotiation.

Arthur mentioned that the FWSC team cautioned the union that additional demands could extend the negotiation process.

According to him, the commission asked HSWU to formally submit its new demands in writing.

“The fact is that the union did not include in its statement that it had made new demands as of October 15,” he emphasized.

He also explained that the negotiation process began in November 2023 when unions submitted proposals for consideration.

These proposals, he said, need to align with the government’s budgeting cycle, which starts in November with the annual budget presentation.

“When proposals are submitted in November, it benefits everyone because the budget is read then. Without a compensation budget for specific items, spending is not possible,” he said,

He highlighted the importance of early submissions to secure budget coverage.

He indicated that the formal negotiations officially began on April 17, 2024, when both parties signed the rules of engagement.

According to Arthur, April 17 should be seen as the reference point for discussions, not the November proposal submission.

He urged all stakeholders to adhere to agreed-upon timelines and processes.

Arthur reiterated the commission’s commitment to engaging transparently with unions and responsibly managing compensation within the government’s budget framework. As negotiations proceed, the FWSC has called for mutual understanding to avoid disruptions and ensure timely resolution of outstanding issues.