The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union (MELPWU) has decided to suspend its ongoing strike action. After initial protests over the government’s delay in addressing their service conditions, the union members, who had been on strike since June 17th, have agreed to heed the directive from the National Labour Commission (NLC) to cease the industrial action.
On June 20th, the NLC intervened, ordering the union to halt the strike and re-engage in negotiations with the government. In response, the National Executive Council of the MELPWU convened an urgent meeting, where they unanimously voted to suspend the strike.
Dr. Cephas Akortor, the General Secretary of the union, announced the decision to the media in Accra on Friday, June 22nd. He stated that all members of the MELPWU have been advised to return to their workplaces by Monday, June 24th, in preparation for full operations to resume on Tuesday, June 25th.
“We have resolved to put on hold the ongoing industrial action and further advise all members of the union to return to work at their various places of work by Monday 24th June 2024 to out their workplace in readiness for full operation on Tuesday 25th June 2024.”
The suspension of the strike comes as a relief, as it will allow medical laboratory services to resume without further disruption. Both the government and the union now have an opportunity to continue their negotiations and find a mutually satisfactory solution to the issues that prompted the initial industrial action.
