Members of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) are set to embark on an indefinite strike starting today, Monday, October 21, 2024.

The strike action comes in response to the government’s failure to meet their demands for institution-specific allowances, despite several attempts to resolve the issue.

The PSWU has expressed frustration over the government’s refusal to honour these allowances, which they say has added to the financial strain on public service workers.

The union has been pushing for the implementation of allowances that reflect the unique challenges faced by its members within specific institutions.

In response to the impending strike, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) urged the PSWU to reconsider its decision. On Thursday, October 17, the FWSC stated that the strike would disrupt ongoing negotiations and prevent further discussions on the matter.

According to the FWSC, it is difficult to engage in meaningful negotiations if the union proceeds with industrial action.

The PSWU has also raised concerns about the delayed implementation of recommendations made by a nine-member committee appointed by the government in 2022 to review the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP). These recommendations, aimed at addressing the compensation challenges within the public sector, have yet to be acted upon, contributing to the union’s decision to strike.

The FWSC, in its October 17 statement, reiterated its willingness to continue negotiations but emphasized that progress would be hindered if the strike proceeded.

“It is important to emphasise that embarking on strike action would rather cause delays in the negotiations since engagement cannot continue while a party at the negotiation table is on strike. FWSC, therefore, calls on PSWU to rescind their decision so that the negotiation can continue.”

FWSC argued that the decision by PSWU to embark on strike is against the rules of engagement signed and the Labour Act, Act 651.

It stated that it cannot be blamed for delays in negotiations, as it must follow the 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.”