Members of the Centres for National Culture (CNC), under the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), have signaled their readiness to embark on a nationwide strike if the government continues to ignore their demands for the payment of Institutional-Specific Allowances.
The declaration came during the CNC’s 4th quadrennial conference held in Kumasi, where union leaders expressed deep dissatisfaction over what they describe as years of neglect and broken promises by the government.
Isaac Mensah, Divisional Chairman of the CNC, emphasized that despite numerous letters, meetings, and formal requests, their appeals have fallen on deaf ears. He noted that while staff in many other public institutions have been receiving this allowance since the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure, CNC workers remain excluded, despite performing critical roles in preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
“Our work is essential to the cultural and social fabric of this country,” Mensah said. “It is unfair for us to be sidelined when others in the public sector are receiving what they are due.”
He warned that the CNC, in collaboration with the PSWU, will not hesitate to call for industrial action if the government fails to act promptly, adding, “We are prepared to escalate this matter if that is what it takes to get our voices heard.”
Supporting this position, John Kudenu Sampah, Deputy General Secretary of the PSWU, expressed concern over the broader impact of the allowance issue on the morale and productivity of public sector workers.
He called on the government to resolve the matter swiftly, cautioning that a prolonged delay could lead to significant disruptions across the public service sector.
As the standoff continues, CNC workers are urging the government to take immediate steps to address their demands, warning that further inaction could spark a wave of protests and industrial action that would disrupt critical cultural programs and activities nationwide.
