NLA appeals to staff to end sit-down strike over 2026 salary adjustment

The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has called on its staff to suspend their ongoing sit-down strike and return to negotiations as efforts continue to resolve a disagreement over salary adjustments for 2026.

The dispute centres on the Authority’s proposed 12% salary increase, which has been rejected by the union, with workers demanding a 17% adjustment.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 24, 2026, the NLA said it remained committed to resolving the impasse and was working with the National Labour Commission (NLC) to find an amicable solution.

“The Management of the National Lottery Authority remains fully committed to resolving the issues at stake and is calling on the local Union and all staff to call off their sit-down strike and return to the negotiation table,” the Authority said.

The NLA explained that its proposed 12% increase was influenced by financial pressures, including an outstanding tax liability of more than GH¢5 million arising from the incorrect application of income tax on staff salaries between 2016 and 2022.

According to management, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) informed the NLA of the liability covering the six-year period.

The Authority said its Board and Management subsequently reached an arrangement with the GRA to settle the outstanding amount without passing the financial burden on to employees.

However, the tax adjustment affected workers’ net salaries and became a key factor in the union’s demand for a higher salary increase.

“The Union therefore pushed for a 17% salary increase to cushion staff,” the NLA said.

Management explained that its Board initially approved a 10% salary increase after considering the tax liability it had agreed to absorb and other budgetary constraints.

It later secured an additional 2%, raising the proposed adjustment to 12% in an effort to reach an agreement with the union.

The union rejected the offer, declared negotiations deadlocked and referred the matter to the NLC.

The NLA also disclosed that it had sought guidance from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), which, in a response dated June 11, recommended an 8% salary increase based on the Authority’s financial position.

Despite the FWSC recommendation, the NLA said management increased its offer to 12% as part of efforts to reach a compromise with the union.

The union subsequently notified management on August 21 of its decision to embark on a sit-down strike and demonstration beginning Monday, August 24.

The NLA is now urging the affected workers to suspend the industrial action and resume negotiations while the dispute is addressed through the established labour relations mechanisms.

Management expressed confidence that continued engagement with the NLC would result in a mutually acceptable settlement through arbitration.