Health Ministry’s actions appalling – Striking Laboratory Workers

The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) says it is ‘appalled’ by the actions of.

the Ministry of Health concerning its strike action.

The Health Ministry appealed to MELPWU to call off its nationwide strike, which.

began on June 17, 2024, and return to the negotiation table.

MELPWU’s strike was prompted by the lack of good conditions of service for.

members, despite nearly two years of negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).

The union deemed the last meeting on May 31, 2024, as “disappointing.

”

However, MoH, in a statement dated Monday, June 17, 2024, stated that significant.

progress had been made in the negotiations, with most of the proposed items agreed upon.

by the Government Negotiations Team.

Dr Franklyn Armah, First Vice Chairman of the MELPWU in an interview with.

Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Tuesday said the MoH’s statement.

was a public statement and not one directed to the union.

Unlike the Ministry, he said the union wrote to the Ministry telling it.

of the union’s intention.

Dr Armah said it was therefore disrespectful and unfair for the Ministry to.

put out such a statement and not reach out to them.

He also noted that the union had not been invited to any meeting.

to resolve the matter and that the strike was still effective.

“…It is important to put on record that our members are extremely appalled.

by the actions of the MoH.

The reasons are that we wrote to them specifically serving notice of this intention of.

our members who are frustrated, and they could have written to us.

But what they put out there is a public statement for everybody and that is.

why we also took the same [position].

We feel that it is most unfair,” he stated.

He added, “…We have not been called; we have not been invited to.

have important meetings to resolve this matter.

”.