The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union (MELPWU) has served notice of strike beginning 17th June 2024.
Leadership of the Union says it is disappointed that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has failed to conclude negotiations on their Conditions of Service.
According to them, they have informed the National Labour Commission, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations as well as the Finance Ministry on 3rd June over their intended strike.
The General Secretary of the MELPWU, Dr Cephas Akortor cited undue delay on the part of the FWSC and the lack of financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance for the strike.
“Without prejudice of the directives given by the National Labour Commission on 30th May, 2024, we recognize that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance are deliberately frustrating the effort of a rather peaceful Union that is ensuring that labour-management relationship does not suffer.”
“To prevent a rather explosive situation that cannot be easily managed by the Union, the National Executive Council at an emergency meeting approved the demands of membership to proceed on a full-blown industrial strike action effective Monday 17th June, 2024 to enable them press 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,” he warned.
Membership of the MELPWU comprises medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians and medical laboratory assistants who provide laboratory diagnostics in all clinical laboratories and blood banks under the Ministry of Health and allied agencies including the Ghana Health Service, National Blood Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Teaching Hospitals, Health Training Institutions, Ahmadiya Health Services of Ghana, and University of Ghana Medical Centre among others.
It also includes laboratory professionals who provide technical services in pathology laboratories and selected mortuary facilities in the country.
By Daniel Opoku
