Staff of the National Identification Authority (NIA), represented by the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) under the Trades Union Congress (TUC), have declared an indefinite strike effective Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The move follows months of unresolved issues concerning the non-payment of their Operational Support Allowance.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Divisional Executive Council of the Union on Monday, June 23, 2025, serving as a final notice to the Ministry of Finance over its continued failure to resolve the matter.
According to the PSWU, the strike has become unavoidable due to the Ministry’s inability to provide a clear commitment or timeline for the reinstatement of the allowance payments, which were halted without explanation in January 2025.
The Operational Support Allowance was introduced in July 2024 after extensive negotiations involving the Ministry of Finance, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the Union. It was intended to supplement the relatively low basic salaries of NIA staff, with payments beginning in August 2024. However, payments were abruptly discontinued after just five months.
Despite assurances from NIA management — including a public statement on June 18, 2025, promising the allowance would be paid “very, very soon” — staff say the Ministry of Finance has failed to take concrete steps to resolve the issue.
The Union emphasized that workers across the NIA’s Head Office, Regional Offices, Premium Centres, and District Offices are now facing significant financial hardship and emotional stress as a result of the delays.
“This industrial action should not be taken lightly. It reflects the deep frustration of staff who have endured this situation for far too long amidst persistent neglect,” the statement noted.
The PSWU has directed all its members within the NIA to immediately withdraw their services until all outstanding allowances are paid in full. It also urged members to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the strike.
While the Union expressed a willingness to resume dialogue, it insisted that any further negotiations must result in a prompt and complete payment of the agreed allowances.
