NIA workers declare indefinite strike over unpaid allowances
Staff of the National Identification Authority (NIA), under the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has declared an indefinite strike from Tuesday, June 24, 2025, following unresolved issues surrounding the payment of their Operational Support Allowance.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Monday, June 23, 2025, by the Divisional Executive Council of the Union as a final notice to the Ministry of Finance over delayed payment of allowances.
According to the Union, the strike has become necessary due to the ministry’s failure to provide a firm commitment and clear timelines for the resumption of payments of their allowance.
The Operational Support Allowance, which was agreed upon in July 2024 after extensive negotiations with the Ministry of Finance, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the Union, was introduced to augment the relatively low basic salaries of NIA staff.
Payments began in August 2024 but were discontinued in January 2025 without any explanation.
Since then, Union members have continued working in anticipation of a resolution, relying on repeated assurances from NIA management that efforts were underway to restore the payments.
Management publicly reiterated these commitments at a press briefing on June 18, 2025, promising that the allowances would be paid “very, very soon.”
However, the Union says that after months of waiting, follow-ups, and engagements, the Ministry of Finance has failed to demonstrate any urgency or seriousness in addressing the matter.
It noted that members across the NIA’s Head Office, Regional Offices, Premium Centres, and District Offices are now facing severe financial and emotional strain.
“This industrial action should not be taken lightly. It reflects the deep frustration of staff who have endured this situation for far too long amidst persistent neglect,” the statement said.
The PSWU has consequently directed all its members within the NIA to withdraw their services indefinitely until the outstanding allowances are fully paid.
The Union also urged members to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the strike period.
While the Union has expressed willingness to return to the negotiation table, it insists that any dialogue must lead to the prompt and full payment of their agreed allowances.
MRA/VPO
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