The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) is calling on the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) to reconsider its planned nationwide strike set for November 7.
With an alternative proposal already on the table, FWSC urges CLOGSAG to return to negotiations, stressing that “lasting solutions” can only be achieved through dialogue.
FWSC highlights the government’s commitment to addressing CLOGSAG’s concerns without destabilizing the broader pay structure, a framework essential for the stability of public sector salary management.
FWSC clarified that CLOGSAG’s request for a new salary structure bypassed the commission, going directly to the Senior Presidential Advisor. In response, a Technical Committee, comprising both government and CLOGSAG representatives, was established to address these demands.
Despite ongoing discussions and a written proposal from the government on October 30, CLOGSAG issued a strike notice, citing the lack of “firm offers.” FWSC pushed back, stating that “discussions have not reached a deadlock” and calling the strike notice premature.
FWSC also voiced concerns about CLOGSAG’s methods, accusing the association of sidestepping the FWSC’s authority. “CLOGSAG deliberately decided to undermine the mandate of the FWSC by channeling its demands through the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor,” the commission noted, warning that this approach could weaken the integrity of the pay policy framework if normalized.
Such a shift, FWSC contends, would disrupt the carefully balanced salary structure that serves all public sector employees.
Adding to these tensions, FWSC highlighted alleged instances where CLOGSAG ignored FWSC’s Chief Executive, Ing. Benjamin Arthur. According to reports, CLOGSAG representatives walked out of meetings, verbally attacked Arthur, and even called for his dismissal.
“For CLOGSAG to indicate in its Press Release that it ‘has decided to have nothing to do with the Chief Executive of FWSC’ amounts to bad faith,” FWSC stated, describing these actions as an impediment to progress and a disservice to CLOGSAG’s own members.
FWSC reiterated its commitment to finding a “lasting solution” to CLOGSAG’s demands while upholding the principles of the Single Spine Pay Policy.
The commission urged CLOGSAG to “rescind its decision to embark on the strike action” and return to the negotiation table, emphasizing that “cooperation, not conflict, is key to achieving meaningful change for civil and local government staff.”
By resuming talks, FWSC argues, both parties can avoid disruptions to essential public services and prevent further economic strain on the sector.
