Strike of medical laboratory workers is suspended

The Medical Laboratory Professionals Union (MELPWU) has temporarily suspended its ongoing strike.

Members are expected to return to work on Monday, June 24, to prepare their materials and officially begin providing their services on June 25.

The decision was the result of a meeting between the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

During a press conference, the union’s General Secretary, Dr. Cephas Kofi Akortor, stated: “After considering the above directive of the National Labour Commission at the National Executive Council meeting and other stakeholders’ meetings held between last night and this morning, where our Labour Law Adviser was present, we have decided to suspend the ongoing industrial action.

“And further advise all union members to return to their various workplaces by Monday, June 24, 2024, in preparation for full operation on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.”

The General Secretary said the union had taken note of the abuses some facility managers and administrators had subjected their members to and advised those affected to desist or the union would have no option but to report their conduct to the NLC for redress.

Dr. Ahorkor took the opportunity to apologize to the clients for any inconvenience caused during her absence.

“We would also like to unreservedly apologize to our valued customers who have suffered in any way during the industrial action and promise to continue to serve them within the scope of our professional capabilities,” he added.

On June 3, the MELPWU announced the start of a nationwide strike for Monday, June 17, 2024.

The strike affected the services of their members in medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories and selected mortuaries across the country.

This industrial action was a response to continued delays by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Department of Finance in concluding negotiations with the union.

The laboratory units of the Manhyia Government Hospital and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi were closed as a result of the strike.

From the consultation unit, patients were referred to private laboratories.

However, patients complained about the high treatment costs of these private facilities.

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