The National Labour Commission (NLC) has intervened to prevent a looming strike action by the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU), scheduled to begin on May 20th. The NLC directed the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to resume and conclude negotiations with MELPWU regarding their Conditions of Service.
MELPWU had given the government a 20-day ultimatum on May Day to address outstanding issues, including financial clearance for the stalled negotiations. The union threatened to embark on strike if their demands were not met.
The NLC held a meeting with MELPWU executives and a team of directors from the Ministry of Health and FWSC on Thursday. During the meeting, the FWSC representatives were asked to provide updates on the status of negotiations with MELPWU and any challenges they faced.
The MELPWU General Secretary, Dr. Cephas Kofi Akortor, issued a communique updating union members on the outcome of the meeting. According to the communique, the NLC directed FWSC to confirm a date with the union for the continuation of negotiations within the coming week.
The NLC also requested FWSC to report back on May 30th, 2024, with the outcome of the negotiations. Additionally, the commission pleaded with MELPWU not to embark on strike action.
The communique described the developments at the NLC as a “positive step” towards addressing the union’s grievances. MELPWU expressed appreciation for the NLC’s intervention in facilitating dialogue and ensuring that medical laboratory science professionals’ concerns are heard and addressed.
The union leadership assured members of their commitment to protecting and promoting their rights as workers. They urged members to continue cooperating with relevant authorities to resolve outstanding issues concerning their Conditions of Service.
MELPWU had earlier given the FWSC and the government an ultimatum to address their concerns over delays in negotiations. The union emphasized that the absence of a Condition of Service was affecting the welfare of thousands of medical science laboratory professionals nationwide, compromising the quality of healthcare services provided to the public.
The NLC’s intervention aims to prevent a strike action that could potentially impact healthcare services in the country. The commission’s directive to FWSC to resume negotiations with MELPWU is a crucial step towards resolving the outstanding issues.
The outcome of the negotiations will determine the next course of action for MELPWU and its members. The union remains committed to protecting the rights and interests of medical laboratory science professionals in Ghana.
