HASAG threatens strike over 8-month delay in salary talks with fair wages commission

The Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana (HASAG) has issued a warning to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), threatening to take industrial action due to what it considers an unreasonably long delay in negotiations regarding its conditions of service.

HASAG states that negotiations, which began in November 2023, have been stalled for over eight months, with the FWSC not responding to multiple formal requests to resume discussions.

The Association demands that the FWSC return to the negotiation table by Monday, June 23, 2025, to finalize discussions—especially concerning the financial aspects of the agreement. If this does not happen, they will “activate all lawful steps,” which may include a strike.

In a letter dated June 18 and signed by its National President, Emmanuel Dennis Kofi Amoah, HASAG characterized the delay as a breach of Article 13(i) and (ii) of the Standing Negotiating Committee (SNC) Rules, which require negotiations to be completed within two months of starting, or an additional two weeks if there are unresolved issues.

“This ongoing delay contradicts the principles of good faith negotiations,” the Association stated, cautioning that unresolved matters have led to “strong agitations and unrest” among its members across the country.

HASAG also accused the FWSC of “deliberate sabotage,” claiming that the delay is a strategic move to undermine the Association and diminish its influence.

It expressed disappointment that some of its members have switched to the Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU), which started negotiations later but has already reached an agreement and is reaping the financial rewards.

The Association has reported the FWSC to the National Labour Commission and is urging the Ministries of Finance, Health, and Employment to step in urgently to prevent disruptions in the financial management of the public health sector.

HASAG stressed that it is committed to dialogue but will not hesitate to pursue lawful industrial action if the FWSC does not meet the deadline.