The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has announced a nationwide strike effective June 17, 2024, over the lack of Conditions of Service for its members. This follows unsuccessful negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on May 31, 2024, which the union deemed “disappointing.”
The strike will impact laboratory services in public hospitals across the country, potentially disrupting healthcare delivery. The union’s membership includes Medical Laboratory Scientists, Technicians, and Assistants who provide vital diagnostic services in various healthcare facilities nationwide.
According to the union, the strike notice was served to relevant agencies, including the National Labour Commission (NLC), FWSC, Ministries of Employment & Labour Relations, Health and Finance, and all relevant agencies. The notice, signed by the General Secretary of MELPWU, Dr. Cephas Kofi Akortor, expressed disappointment at stakeholders, citing “undue delay in concluding negotiations with the union” and “lack of financial clearance for non-mechanised members” as reasons for the strike.
The union has been negotiating for nearly two years, but the delayed negotiations have prompted the strike to pressure the government to conclude negotiations on Conditions of Service. The executives of the union described the outcome of the meeting with FWSC as “disappointing” and accused the FWSC and Ministry of Finance of not demonstrating good faith.
Justifying the action, the notice stated, “Without prejudice to the directives given by the National Labour Commission on 30th May 2024, we recognise that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance are deliberately frustrating the efforts of a rather peaceful union that is ensuring that Labour-Management relationship does not suffer.”
The union’s decision to embark on a strike action is aimed at pressing home the needed attention and importance to be given to the concerns of the union. “Thus, services provided by our members in all medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories, and selected mortuary facilities will be impacted,” the notice stated.
The strike has the potential to significantly impact healthcare delivery in Ghana, and the union is urging the government to take immediate action to address their concerns and avoid a prolonged strike.
