PSWU threatens nationwide strike over delayed allowances

The Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress has threatened a nationwide strike if the government fails to pay long-overdue allowances owed to staff of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) and other affiliated agencies since the rollout of the Single Spine Pay Structure.

According to the union’s leadership, the payment of these allowances is crucial for the effective delivery of their mandate and the promotion of culture and tourism in the country.

The Centre for National Culture, a cultural institution under the Public Services Workers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress, plays a vital role in showcasing and preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage. As a hub for arts, crafts, music, and dance, the CNC promotes cultural understanding and appreciation across the country.

The union leaders expressed concern over the non-payment of allowances owed to CNC workers under the Single Spine Pay Structure.

Speaking at the 4th Quadrennial Divisional Delegates Conference of the CNC in Kumasi, the Deputy General Secretary of the PSWU, John Sampah, and the outgoing Divisional Chairman of the CNC, Isaac Mensah, urged the government to act swiftly and warned that failure to address the issue would compel them to “advise themselves.”

“CNC is one of the institutions that we have not secured our allowances. We went on strike, and they asked us to hold on after the 2024 general elections. We’re urging the government to attend to those who don’t have allowances yet. If we delay, that is what will push the workers to go on the streets. If nothing is done, we will do what we know how to do best,” he said.

The Acting Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture stressed the need to promote Ghana’s culture and tourism, emphasising the significance of the Black Star Experience in revitalising the tourism sector.

“Black Star Experience is not just for celebration’s sake, it’s also geared at job creation. Government is a continuum; there’s no way the National Democratic Congress will jettison all that the New Patriotic Party did while in office, but rather we’re building on it,” he said.

The conference was held under the theme: “Resetting the Centres for National Culture for the Black Star Experience: The Role of the Union.”