The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has accused the Ministry of Health of acting in bad faith, despite the Ministry’s appeal for the union to call off its strike and return to negotiations.
In a press release, the Ministry acknowledged the union’s demands for improved working conditions and expressed readiness to address them through negotiations. However, Franklin Armah, First Vice Chair of MELPWU, expressed the frustrations of over 5,000 members on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, stating that the Ministry has taken them for granted for too long.
Armah accused the Ministry of delaying tactics and making their conditions public instead of engaging them privately. “Someone is using delay tactics… The Ministry of Health is making us look bad in the public eye. We have to appear in a dignified manner. Our members are angry, and they owe us an apology,” he said.
Isaac Offei Baah, PRO for the Ministry, confirmed ongoing negotiations and appealed to MELPWU leadership to reconsider their decision to strike and return to the negotiation table. He urged the union to be patient as the government’s negotiation team works to expedite the process.
The MELPWU announced a nationwide strike on June 17, 2024, which will affect medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories, and selected mortuary facilities across the country.
