Ministry of Health Appeals to MELPWU to End Strike and Resume Negotiations

Accra, Ghana – The Ministry of Health has made an urgent appeal to the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union (MELPWU) to call off its strike and return to the negotiating table.

In a press release from the Public Relations department, the Ministry expressed its acknowledgment of the union’s demands for improved working conditions and stated that it is prepared to address these issues through ongoing negotiations.

The Ministry highlighted that significant progress has been made, with the government’s negotiation team reaching agreements on most of MELPWU‘s proposed items.

The release emphasized the Ministry’s readiness to continue these discussions, appealing to MELPWU to reconsider their decision to strike and re-engage in dialogue. The government negotiation teams include representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

The Ministry also urged patience from MELPWU as efforts are made to expedite the negotiation process, which would enable the union to end the strike sooner.

Furthermore, the Ministry assured MELPWU of the government’s full cooperation and respect for their dedication to the welfare of their members.

The strike, announced by MELPWU on June 3, 2024, is set to commence on Monday, June 17, 2024. This industrial action is expected to impact services provided by medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories, and selected mortuary facilities nationwide. The union’s decision to strike follows prolonged delays by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance in concluding negotiations.

The Ministry of Health acknowledges the strike notice issued by the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU), indicating that the strike will commence on Monday, 17th June 2024, to urge the Government to approve and implement their proposed Conditions of Service.

Full Release by MOH

MELPWU has requested continued negotiations to finalise their proposed Conditions of Service with the Government.

The Goverment Negotiations Team led by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission
(FWSC) has had extensive engagements with MELPWU since 2023 and is guided by both internal and external relativities.

Majority of the items proposed by MELPWU have been agreed upon by the Goverment Negotiations Team. However, Uniform, Special Project, Unsociable, and Communication allowances proposed by the Union are still under various stages of negotiation.

The Ministry can confirm that negotiations are ongoing and therefore appeal to MELPWU leadership to reconsider its decision to strike and return to the negotiation table with the Government Negotiation Teams, which include the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

We appeal to the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers to exercise patience as the Goverment Negotiation Team, supported by the Ministry, expedites the negotiations to enable MELPWU to call off its strike.

To the Union (MELPWU), please be assured of our utmost cooperation and respect for your dedication to your members’ welfare.
We hope that, in the spirit of cooperation, this strike will be called off as soon as possible.
Thank you.


ISSUED BY THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH.