The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has declared that if an agreement on their conditions of service cannot be reached with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), they will go on strike.
The MELPWU said in a press release on International Labor Day that its members are exposed to unfair treatment and exploitation at work since there are no conditions of service that are specifically designed to meet the needs and difficulties faced by medical laboratory science professionals.
“MELPWU represents a vital segment of healthcare workers, whose dedication and expertise are essential for the functioning of healthcare systems in Ghana. Our members deserve better working conditions, competitive salaries, and opportunities for career advancement,” parts of the statement read.
“The continued neglect of these issues not only undermines the morale of medical laboratory science professionals but also jeopardises the quality of healthcare services provided to the public,” they added.
MELPWU is dissatisfied with the lack of urgency and progress with the FWSC despite their desperate attempts to reach a settlement.
The union also expressed concern about the state of unemployed medical laboratory science professionals, who are facing financial hardship and uncertainty as a result of the Ministry of Finance’s lack of financial clearance.
The union stated that highly skilled individuals must invest years of rigorous training and education to qualify for their profession and must maintain the validity of their licenses in order to meet employment requirements.
Nevertheless, the union stated that despite their best efforts to reach a conclusion, they remain unemployed despite the fact that there are relatively few medical laboratory science professionals in hospitals throughout the nation.
“It is imperative that urgent action is taken to address this situation and provide them with the opportunity to contribute their expertise to the healthcare sector. The shortage of qualified medical laboratory science professionals in healthcare facilities across the country is compelling facility heads to engage the services of these our unemployed colleagues but underpaying them against provision of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) in Sections 10(b); 68 (1); 74 (2)(a); 75(1).”
“It is extremely disheartening to note that some of these professionals have been on the same salary for several years without an increment in pay even when base pay in the public sector is increased. Obviously, this is an unfair labour practice.”
MELPWU gave the FWSC a three-week ultimatum, stating that should they fail to reach an agreement on improved conditions of service and other issues raised, they will embark on a strike on May 20.
“As advocates for the rights and welfare of medical laboratory science professionals, MELPWU remains committed to working collaboratively with all the agencies, healthcare institutions, and relevant stakeholders to address these pressing issues to ensure a fair and dignified working environment for all.”
Read the full statement below: