Public Sector Workers Threaten Strike Over Unpaid Allowances, Give Government June 30 Deadline

The Public Services Workers' Union (PSWU), operating under the Trades Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana, has issued a stern warning to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), demanding the immediate release of Institution Specific Allowances owed to workers across its member organisations.

In a formal letter directed to FWSC Chief Executive Dr George Smith-Graham, the Union stated that the allowances in question were finalised on 31st March 2026 as part of an Interim Operational Allowance arrangement, with implementation expected to begin from April 2026. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Minister of Finance, the National Security Coordinator, the National Labour Commission, the TUC Secretary-General, and all affected member organisations.

The PSWU noted that the successful conclusion of that agreement had previously helped to prevent a planned strike earlier this year, making the current delay all the more frustrating for affected workers. The Union said the continued failure to implement the agreed terms had led to rising discontent among its membership.

Strike Action Back on the Table

The Union has set Tuesday, 30th June 2026 as the deadline for payment, warning that if the FWSC fails to act by that date, it will be left with no choice but to revisit the option of industrial action. The letter was signed by Mr John Nii Donu Sampah, Deputy General Secretary of the PSWU.

"We count on your usual cooperation in this matter," the letter stated, in what the Union framed as a final appeal before escalating the dispute. The situation puts pressure on the FWSC and the government to honour commitments made to public sector employees or risk a fresh wave of labour unrest.