The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) went on strike on June 17, 2024, after unsuccessful negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the Ministry of Finance on May 31, 2024. The Ministry of Health later urged the striking laboratory workers to end the nationwide strike and return to the negotiation table.
Dr. Franklyn Armah, the First Vice Chairman of the MELPWU, stated in an interview that the Ministry of Health’s statement was only a public statement and not directed to the union. According to Dr. Armah, the union had directly informed the Ministry of Health of their intention to strike if their concerns were not addressed. He emphasized that it was disrespectful and unfair for the ministry to issue a public statement without reaching out to them. He also revealed that the union had not been invited to any meeting to resolve the matter and that the strike was still ongoing.
Dr. Armah expressed his members’ dismay at the actions of the Ministry of Health, stating, “Our members are extremely appalled by the actions of the MoH. We feel that it is most unfair.” He also highlighted that the union had not been invited to important meetings to resolve the matter.
On the other hand, the Health Ministry stated that the government negotiations team, led by the FWSC, had been engaging with MELPWU since 2023 and is guided by both internal and external relativities. The ministry confirmed that most of the requests made by MELPWU have been approved, with a few currently being negotiated.
The ministry appealed to the professional workers to reconsider their decision to strike and return to the negotiation table, emphasizing that negotiations are ongoing. The negotiations involve the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.
