NIA Staff Begin Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Allowances

Staff of the National Identification Authority (NIA) have announced the start of an indefinite nationwide strike, effective Tuesday, June 24, 2025, citing the government’s failure to honor its commitment to pay their Operational Support Allowance.

In a statement released the same day, the NIA workers, under the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU), described the decision to withdraw their services as “difficult but necessary.” According to the statement, repeated delays and unfulfilled promises from the Ministry of Finance have left employees with no other option.

Broken Promises After Months of Patience

The allowance in question was part of an agreement reached in July 2024, after detailed negotiations between the government—represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance—and the workers' union.

Payments began in August 2024 and continued until December of the same year. However, since January 2025, no further disbursements have been made. Despite months of assurances from NIA Management and continuous follow-ups, staff say no clear roadmap has been provided for resuming the allowance.

Final Straw: No Timelines After Finance Ministry Meeting

A last round of talks with the Ministry of Finance on June 23, 2025, failed to produce a firm commitment or timeline for addressing the matter. This, the workers say, was the final straw.

“Despite our patience and willingness to engage in good faith, we have been met with inaction,” the union stated. “Staff across all operational levels—including Head Office, Regional, District Offices, and Premium Centres—are suffering financial and emotional distress.”

Management's Assurances No Longer Enough

While NIA Management has consistently communicated efforts to resolve the issue—most recently during a June 18 press briefing—workers say these assurances have not translated into action.

“Talk of payment happening ‘very, very soon’ has become an empty promise,” the union lamented.

Peaceful Strike, But No Service Until Allowances Are Paid

As part of the industrial action, all PSWU members at the NIA are directed to withdraw their services until the agreed Operational Support Allowance is fully paid.

The union urged its members to remain calm, united, and law-abiding during the strike but emphasized their determination to see the issue resolved. “We are open to dialogue, but only if it results in immediate and complete payment of what is owed,” the statement concluded.

The strike is expected to significantly impact the NIA’s operations nationwide unless swift intervention is made.