FWSC urges CLOGSAG to halt nationwide strike, calls for continued negotiations

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has responded to the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana’s (CLOGSAG) decision to launch a nationwide strike on Thursday (7 November) over demands for a new salary structure and improved conditions of service.

The FWSC, in a press release, clarified that discussions on CLOGSAG’s demands have been ongoing through a Technical Committee formed by the Senior Presidential Advisor, including government and CLOGSAG representatives. 

The FWSC cited a communiqué from July 2024 in which CLOGSAG acknowledged that both parties were committed to resolving salary structure issues for civil and local government staff.

Government representatives, according to the FWSC, have been exploring ways to address CLOGSAG’s salary demands without disrupting the existing single-spine pay policy. 

The FWSC also pointed to a 2011 High Court ruling that barred CLOGSAG from withdrawing from the single-spine pay policy, reinforcing the policy’s relevance in managing public sector salaries.

On Wednesday (30 October), FWSC claims that the government proposed an alternative approach to meet CLOGSAG’s requests, which was provided in writing on the same day as requested by CLOGSAG. 

However, FWSC noted that CLOGSAG has not yet officially responded to this proposal. This lack of response, FWSC contends, calls into question CLOGSAG’s decision to proceed with a strike while negotiations remain open.

The FWSC also raised concerns over what it describes as CLOGSAG’s disregard for its mandate, citing instances where CLOGSAG directly approached the Senior Presidential Advisor’s office instead of engaging FWSC. 

Under the FWSC Act 2007 (Act 737), the FWSC is the authorised body to handle government pay policy matters. 

The Commission also pointed to alleged incidents of CLOGSAG’s refusal to engage with FWSC’s Chief Executive, Benjamin Arthur, including walkouts from meetings and demands for his dismissal.

Despite the tensions, FWSC emphasised that the government remains committed to dialogue, urging CLOGSAG to reconsider the strike and return to negotiations. 

“Government is prepared to engage CLOGSAG in finding a lasting solution to its demands,” the statement concluded, encouraging CLOGSAG to resume discussions and work within the framework of the Single Spine Pay Policy to reach a mutually beneficial outcome.

Reporting by Philip Abutiate in Greater Accra

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