You have no business assuring us of data safety when NIA staff have poor conditions of service - Adam Bonaa

Security and safety analyst, Dr. Adam Bonaa, has called on the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to take immediate action in meeting the demands of the workers of the National Identification Authority (NIA) for better conditions of service.

According to Dr. Bonaa, there is a need for the state to ensure that workers of the NIA receive better emoluments as a measure of safeguarding the data of citizens entrusted to their care.

"Because these people are superintending over our data, data that is used for all activities including transactions and as a travel document, they shouldn't dilly-dally with it like any other labour dispute. I am appalled by the Labour Commission not running to resolve it. Now we have one identity card, which is the NIA card, and those who work there, if you are not taking care of them, then you have no business telling us our information is secure. It is up to the government to ensure that they are well taken care of," he told GhanaWeb.

Staff of the NIA commenced an indefinite strike on Monday, June 10, 2024, over grievances related to their conditions of service.

This action was announced by the NIA chapter of the Divisional Executive Council of the Public Services Workers' Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

Initially, the Union had planned to strike on March 24 but deferred their decision after meeting with representatives from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the management of the NIA. Despite this, the Union claims the government has since acted in bad faith during negotiations.

A statement signed by Council Secretary Kwabena Kyeremeh and Council Chairman Bangfudeme Nyuzaghi detailed their concerns, which include:

• The government team's undue delays in the negotiation process.

• The government team's posturing and reluctance to grant the NIA Institution-Specific Allowances.

• Failure on the part of management to implement the approved scheme of service for the staff of the NIA.

Meanwhile, the NIA workers union has announced a suspension of the ongoing strike pending the outcome of negotiations with the National Labour Commission.

GA/SARA

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