The Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana (HASAG) has issued a stark warning to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) regarding the protracted delay in negotiations concerning their working conditions, indicating a potential for industrial action.
HASAG has pointed out that negotiations, which commenced in November 2023, have been stuck for over eight months, with the FWSC not responding to multiple requests for talks to resume.
The Association is insisting that the FWSC return to the negotiation table by Monday, June 23, 2025, to finalise the discussions, especially concerning the financial aspects of the agreement.
Should this demand be ignored, HASAG is prepared to “activate all lawful steps, including the possibility of a strike.
In a letter dated June 18 and signed by its National President, Emmanuel Dennis Kofi Amoah, HASAG condemned the delay as a breach of Article 13(i) and (ii) of the Standing Negotiating Committee (SNC) Rules, which mandate that negotiations be concluded within two months of starting or within an additional two weeks if any matters remain unresolved.
“This continued delay runs counter to the principles of good faith negotiations,” among its members across the country.
HASAG has further accused the FWSC of “deliberate sabotage,” alleging that the extended delay is a tactic aimed at undermining the Association’s strength.
Additionally, the Association expressed concern over some members defecting to the Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU), which, despite starting its negotiations after HASAG, has successfully concluded discussions and is now benefiting financially.
In light of these developments, HASAG has reported the FWSC to the National Labour Commission and is urging the Ministries of Finance, Health, and Employment to intervene promptly to prevent disruptions in the financial management of the public health sector.