CLOGSAG boycotts Labour Commission meeting, summoned for March 18

The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) did not attend a scheduled meeting with the National Labour Commission on March 11, a session intended to address the strike called by the union. The meeting was attended by government representatives, including officials from the Head of Civil Service and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).

Dr. Bernice Welbeck, Executive Secretary of the National Labour Commission, expressed disappointment at CLOGSAG’s absence, noting that the union neither attended nor provided any explanation. She added that the Commission had previously written to CLOGSAG, urging the association to call off the strike and appear to discuss the core issues.

“In our first letter, we asked them to rescind the strike and attend the meeting. Since they did not, and by law, substantive matters cannot be heard while a strike is ongoing, they have now been directed to call off the strike and appear before the Commission next week,” Dr. Welbeck stated.

As a result, the National Labour Commission has declared the strike illegal and rescheduled the meeting for Wednesday, March 18, giving CLOGSAG another opportunity to present its case.

When asked if the union would still need to appear if the dispute is resolved before the next meeting, Dr. Welbeck confirmed that the summons must be honoured regardless of any prior resolution.

The Commission continues to emphasise dialogue and adherence to Ghana’s labour laws in resolving the dispute.