The ongoing strike by workers of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has sparked widespread attention, highlighting the persistent challenges surrounding wage negotiations in Ghana’s public sector. On September 18, 2024, NCCE workers embarked on a strike, driven by frustrations over unresolved wage issues and allowances. The strike comes after months of failed negotiations between the Public Service Workers Union (PSWU), which represents NCCE workers, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).
The First Vice Chair of the PSWU, Joachim El Barzar, has been vocal in his criticism of the process, pointing out that negotiations have been dragging on without any meaningful progress since May 2023. His disappointment echoes the frustrations of NCCE workers who feel that their concerns have not been given the attention they deserve. This prolonged stalemate has left the workforce in a state of limbo, with the strike serving as a final recourse to demand better wages and improved allowances.
The NCCE plays a pivotal role in promoting civic education, democracy, and public awareness in Ghana. Their work is critical, particularly in a democratic society where educating the public on their rights and responsibilities is key to ensuring transparency and accountability. However, for the workers who dedicate themselves to this cause, the lack of fair remuneration and adequate benefits has led to growing discontent.
Since the strike began, there has been widespread disruption to civic education activities across the country. NCCE workers have made it clear that no civic education programs will be carried out until the FWSC returns to the negotiation table with a more serious approach to resolving their concerns. This strike, therefore, not only impacts the workers but also has far-reaching implications for the public, particularly at a time when civic engagement is more important than ever.
The standoff between the NCCE workers and the FWSC raises several important questions about labor relations in Ghana’s public sector, the role of government in addressing wage disputes, and the impact on essential services like civic education. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the issues at the heart of the strike, the demands of NCCE workers, and what it means for Ghana’s public sector workforce.
The Long Road to the Strike: Unresolved Wage Negotiations
The strike by NCCE workers did not occur in isolation. It is the culmination of a long-standing dispute over wages and allowances that has been festering for over a year. According to Joachim El Barzar, the PSWU has made several attempts to engage with the FWSC in meaningful discussions since May 2023. However, despite numerous meetings and negotiations, the Commission has failed to offer a satisfactory resolution to the concerns raised by NCCE workers.
El Barzar expressed his frustration at the repeated postponements by the FWSC, noting that the Commission has shown little urgency in addressing the grievances of the workers. "We tried many times to meet with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, even on four occasions. The last time, they just told us they would postpone it and get back to us,” he explained. For the workers, these delays have been particularly disheartening, as they had hoped that the FWSC would take their concerns seriously and work toward a resolution.
By May 31, 2023, the situation had reached a critical point. Despite sitting down for discussions, the PSWU found that the FWSC continued to make excuses, offering no real solutions to the wage disparities and allowances in question. For many NCCE workers, this lack of commitment from the Commission signaled that their issues were not a priority. This realization, coupled with the minimal progress in negotiations, set the stage for the eventual strike.
The Struggle for Fair Allowances
One of the key issues that led to the strike is the dispute over allowances, particularly the civic education allowance that NCCE workers receive. The workers have been receiving a 10 percent allowance for their civic education duties, but they argue that this amount is insufficient given the importance and scope of their work. The PSWU proposed that the civic education allowance be increased to at least 35 percent to reflect the value of the workers' contributions.
However, the FWSC’s response to this proposal was seen as dismissive and inadequate. According to El Barzar, the Commission offered only a 2 percent increase, bringing the allowance to 11 percent instead of the requested 35 percent. "Is that not insulting?" he asked, reflecting the widespread frustration among NCCE workers. For the PSWU, this offer was a slap in the face, as it did not come close to addressing the financial needs of the workers or recognizing the importance of their role in promoting civic engagement and democracy.
El Barzar’s remarks highlight a larger issue in Ghana’s public sector—the undervaluing of essential services like civic education. NCCE workers play a crucial role in educating the public, yet their allowances and wages do not reflect the significance of their work. This disparity between the workers’ contributions and their compensation is a major factor behind the strike, as the workers feel that they are being taken for granted.
The demands of NCCE workers are not limited to the civic education allowance. They are also calling for increases in other allowances, such as the democracy retention allowance, housing allowance, hardship allowance, and professional development allowance. These allowances are seen as necessary to ensure that workers can carry out their duties effectively while maintaining a reasonable standard of living.
The Importance of Civic Education and the Impact of the Strike
Civic education is a cornerstone of any democratic society, and the NCCE has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities in Ghana. Through various programs and initiatives, NCCE workers help to foster a culture of democracy, transparency, and civic engagement. Their work is particularly important in times of political transition, national elections, and periods of social unrest, where public understanding of the democratic process is crucial for maintaining peace and stability.
However, with the ongoing strike, all civic education activities have come to a halt. NCCE workers have made it clear that they will not resume their duties until the FWSC returns to the negotiating table with a serious offer. This means that programs aimed at educating the public about democracy, governance, and civic responsibilities are currently on hold, leaving a gap in public awareness efforts.
The timing of the strike is particularly concerning, as Ghana faces several critical issues that require a well-informed and engaged citizenry. From electoral processes to governance reforms, the role of the NCCE in educating the public is more important than ever. The absence of civic education activities could have a ripple effect, leading to reduced public participation in democratic processes and a decline in civic engagement.
For the striking workers, the decision to halt civic education activities is not one they took lightly. El Barzar emphasized the importance of the NCCE’s work, noting that their role in promoting democracy and civic engagement is crucial. "This is a crucial period for all of us to ensure that there is peace and transparency in whatever we are doing. This shouldn’t have been the time for NCCE to go on strike,” he stated. However, the workers feel that they have no choice but to take this drastic step in order to draw attention to their demands and force the FWSC to take action.
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission’s Response
In the wake of the strike, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has called on NCCE workers to reconsider their decision and return to work. However, the workers have refused, insisting that no civic education activities will resume until serious negotiations take place. "We need to reach a consensus first before we can come back to work,” El Barzar stated. For the workers, the strike is not just about wages and allowances; it is about respect and recognition for the essential role they play in society.
El Barzar also questioned why the FWSC has been so slow to address the workers’ concerns. "What we are asking for is not too much for the government; it’s not too much for the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. Why have they refused to consider us since last year?" he asked. The workers believe that the FWSC has the capacity to meet their demands, but has chosen to delay negotiations and offer minimal increases instead.
The Path Forward: Will the Strike End?
As the strike continues, the ball is now in the FWSC’s court. NCCE workers have made it clear that they are willing to negotiate, but only if the Commission approaches the discussions with genuine intent to resolve the issues. The longer the strike drags on, the greater the impact on civic education in Ghana, and the more pressure there will be on the FWSC to find a solution.
In conclusion, the NCCE strike is a reflection of the broader challenges facing Ghana’s public sector workers, particularly those in essential services like civic education. The workers’ demands for fair wages and allowances are reasonable, and their strike highlights the need for a more equitable approach to public sector compensation. As the situation unfolds, it is essential for the government and the FWSC to recognize the importance of the NCCE’s work and take meaningful steps to resolve the wage dispute. Only then can civic education efforts resume, ensuring that Ghana’s democratic processes remain strong and that its citizens are well-informed and engaged.
