The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has announced a nationwide strike starting June 17, 2024, due to the lack of Conditions of Service for its members.
This strike comes after failed negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on May 31, 2024, which the union found disappointing.
After nearly two years of negotiations, the union is striking to pressure the government to finalize the Conditions of Service.
As a result, laboratory services in public hospitals will be unavailable from June 17, affecting healthcare delivery.
On Monday, June 3, MELPWU issued a strike notice to the National Labour Commission (NLC), FWSC, and the Ministries of Employment & Labour Relations, Health, and Finance, along with other relevant agencies.
The notice, signed by MELPWU General Secretary Dr. Cephas Kofi Akortor, cited disappointment with stakeholders due to “undue delay in concluding negotiations” and the lack of financial clearance for non-mechanised members.
The union stated that the notice is in accordance with Section 159 of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651).
During a press briefing after a negotiation meeting with the FWSC, the union’s executives called the meeting’s outcome “disappointing” and accused the FWSC and Ministry of Finance of not acting in good faith.
Part of the statement reads:
“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.”
“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 to 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,”
The union includes Medical Laboratory Scientists, Technicians, and Assistants who work in clinical labs and blood banks under the Ministry of Health and related agencies like the Ghana Health Service and National Blood Service.
Members also come from the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Teaching Hospitals, Health Training Institutions, Ahmadiyya Health Services Ghana, and the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
Additionally, it includes lab professionals providing technical services in Pathology Labs and some mortuary facilities in the country.
