Medical laboratory workers suspend strike

The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union (MELPWU) has temporarily suspended its strike, instructing members to return to work on Monday, June 24.

They are expected to prepare their materials and officially resume services on June 25.

This decision follows a meeting between the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

During a press conference, Dr. Cephas Kofi Akortor, the General Secretary of MELPWU, stated, “Having reviewed the above directive by the National Labour Commission at the National Executive Council meeting and other stakeholders’ meetings held between last night and this morning, with our labour consultant in attendance, we have resolved to put on hold the ongoing industrial action.

We further advise all members of the union to return to work at their various workplaces by Monday, June 24, 2024, to prepare for full operation on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.”

Dr. Akortor emphasized that the union has taken note of the mistreatment some facility managers and administrators have subjected its members to.

He warned that such actions must cease, or the union will report these behaviors to the NLC for redress. He also took the opportunity to apologize to clients for any inconvenience caused by the strike.

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“We wish to unreservedly apologize to our cherished clients who suffered in any way during the industrial action and promise to continue to serve them to the best of our professional ability,” he added.

On June 3, MELPWU had announced a nationwide strike beginning on Monday, June 17, 2024.

The strike impacted services provided by their members in medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories, and certain mortuary facilities across the country.

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

The laboratory units at Manhyia Government Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi were closed due to the strike.

Patients from these hospitals were directed to private laboratories, where they complained about the high costs of services.

The temporary suspension of the strike comes after critical discussions and deliberations involving the union’s National Executive Council and other stakeholders, including a labor consultant.

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The union’s decision to halt the strike aims to give way to further negotiations and ensure that the concerns of its members are addressed promptly and adequately.

Dr. Akortor reiterated the union’s commitment to protecting the interests of its members and ensuring that they receive fair treatment and adequate compensation for their services.

He highlighted that while the union has decided to pause the strike, it remains vigilant and ready to take further action if necessary.

The strike, which had been in effect for a week, caused significant disruptions in medical laboratory services nationwide.

The union’s decision to suspend the strike and return to work is seen as a positive step towards resolving the ongoing issues and restoring normalcy in the healthcare sector.

As MELPWU members prepare to resume their duties, the union continues to engage with relevant authorities to ensure that the terms and conditions of their employment are met.

The temporary suspension of the strike is a strategic move to facilitate further dialogue and negotiations, aiming for a resolution that benefits both the workers and the healthcare system.

The union’s leadership remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of its members while ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services to the public.

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