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The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has announced a nationwide strike starting June 17, 2024, due to the lack of established conditions of service for its members. This decision follows what the union described as “disappointing” negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on May 31, 2024.
MELPWU has been engaged in negotiations for nearly two years without reaching a resolution, leading to frustration and the decision to strike in order to press the government to finalize the conditions of service. The strike will result in the suspension of laboratory services in public hospitals across Ghana, significantly impacting healthcare delivery.
The union formally notified the National Labour Commission (NLC), FWSC, and the Ministries of Employment & Labour Relations, Health, and Finance, among other relevant agencies, about the strike through a notice dated June 3. Signed by the General Secretary, Dr. Cephas Kofi Akortor, the notice highlighted the “undue delay in concluding negotiations” and the lack of financial clearance for non-mechanized members as key reasons for the strike.
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MELPWU’s leadership expressed their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the latest negotiation meeting, accusing the FWSC and the Ministry of Finance of not acting in good faith and deliberately frustrating their efforts. The union invoked Section 159 of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651) to justify the strike.
In the notice, MELPWU emphasized that despite directives from the NLC on May 30, 2024, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance continued to hinder progress. To avoid an “explosive situation” that could further strain the labor-management relationship, the National Executive Council approved the strike action.
As a result, services provided by union members in medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories, and selected mortuary facilities will be affected starting June 17. MELPWU’s membership includes Medical Laboratory Scientists, Technicians, and Assistants who work under the Ministry of Health and affiliated agencies like the Ghana Health Service, National Blood Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Teaching Hospitals, Health Training Institutions, Ahmadiyya Health Services Ghana, and the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
The union’s decision to strike underscores the critical need for the government to address their concerns and ensure the timely resolution of their demands to prevent further disruption of essential healthcare services.
