NLC refutes reports of meeting with CLOGSAG over ongoing strike

The National Labour Commission (NLC) has denied media reportage inviting the leadership of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) to a meeting to resolve the ongoing strike over the non-implementation of a new salary structure.

CLOGSAG began a nationwide strike on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, after the government failed to implement a new salary structure agreed upon in August 2022.

However, NLC suggests to deny Ghanatodayonline.com’s investigative report that it invited the leadership of CLOGSAG to a meeting to resolve the ongoing strike over the non-implementation of a new salary structure.

A statement signed by E. D. K. Tottimeh Jnr, Head of Public Affairs for the Executive Secretary, highlighted that Section 178 of the Act ensures the continuity of existing labour laws and regulations until amended or revoked.

The Commission categorically denies any claims that the Executive Secretary has admitted to reviewing the panel’s composition

The Commission therefore wishes to state as follows:

1. The Executive Secretary has never admitted, neither has he stated anywhere, that the composition of the seven (7) member panel of the Commission was “…being reviewed”.
2. Furthermore, the appointment of the 7-member panel of the Commission was done in accordance with section 136 of the Labour Act 651 of 2003, which clearly explains the procedure for appointing Members of the Commission as follows:

(a) The Commission shall consist of the following persons:

– A chairperson who shall be nominated by the employers’ organization and organized labour, except that where there is a failure to nominate a chairperson within sixty days as provided, the employers’ organization in consultation with organized labour shall submit the matter to a mediator agreed on by them;

– Six representatives, two each nominated by the Government, employer’s organization, and organized labour.

Furthermore, section 178 of the Act 651 of 2003 also provides as follows:

(1) Notwithstanding the repeal of the enactments specified in Schedule III, and statutory instrument made under those enactments and in force immediately before the commencement of this Act are continued in force until amended, revoked, or otherwise dealt with under this Act.

(2) The Trades Union Congress and the trade unions (whether affiliated to the Trade Union Congress or not) which are in existence immediately before the commencement of this Act shall not be required to apply for registration by reason only of the coming into force of this Act.

(3) Upon the coming into force of this Act and until the National Tripartite Committee provided for under section 110 is composed, the administrative arrangement in existence on national tripartite committee shall continue to operate.

We therefore state unreservedly that the Commission remains committed to its mandate of resolving labour disputes, be it in the public or private sector.

Read the full statement below:

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com