Due to the failure to receive their Operational Support Allowance, National Identification Authority (NIA) employees have begun an indefinite strike, which will go into effect on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
The “difficult but necessary” decision comes after a final meeting with the Ministry of Finance on June 23 that produced no firm commitment or timetable to begin the halted payments.
The stipend, which supplemented the staff’s small pay, was agreed upon in July 2024 and paid from August to December 2024, but it has since been suspended, according to the Divisional Executive Council of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) – NIA.
In a statement issued today, the Union voiced dissatisfaction over the Ministry’s continuous delays and unmet pledges despite numerous follow-ups and public assurances.
“Despite Management’s public commitment during a June 18 press briefing that the outstanding allowances would be paid ‘very, very soon,’ no progress has been made,” the statement said.
The Union demanded a quick response and emphasized that members in every NIA office are experiencing extreme financial hardship.
“All PSWU members at the NIA are directed to withdraw their services indefinitely until our legitimate concerns are addressed,” the statement said, noting that the Union is still open to constructive dialogue with authorities.
Source: newsthemegh.com