General Secretary of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers' Union (MELPWU) has stated that the union does not have established conditions of service.
According to Dr Cephas Akortor, there is no document containing the laid-out conditions of service to which members of the union are entitled.
Speaking on JoyNews’ 'The Probe' on June 23, he mentioned that this absence denies workers basic benefits, including insurance services.
MELPWU initiated their strike on June 17, citing the government's delay in addressing their conditions of service.
The industrial action has significantly impacted public health services, leaving patients stranded and forcing many to seek more expensive laboratory services at private facilities.
Although the strike has been temporarily called off, MELPWU is likely to lay down its tools if government fails to meet its demands.
When asked by the host what the union's condition of service was such that the union was asking for improved conditions, he said “In fact we have none. As at now, we do not have a condition of service. Whatever we have is just an extension of what others are enjoying and they feel can apply to us.”
Dr Akortor explained that the nature of their job exposes them to many hazards, as they handle blood samples, urine, and other materials from individuals suffering from various health conditions.
- Read also: Medical laboratory workers suspend strike
Despite this, they do not have an insurance policy covering their healthcare. He recounted that during COVID-19, several union members, often in laboratories conducting tests, contracted the virus, leading to their untimely deaths.
The General Secretary added that in many such instances, family members of MELPWU had to finance their basic healthcare.
“So, it means that we risk ourselves without an insurance and when you are sick you are left to your fate and if your family can not support you then you die. Already the salary is not good. Laboratory workers deserve to be insured,” he told host, Emefa Apawu on June 23.
This, among several other factors, necessitated their industrial action he said.
Latest Stories
-
Baby abandoned in manhole in Tema Community 1
44 seconds -
We’ll establish fiscal council to rein in excessive borrowing – Finance Minister
7 mins -
Mortuary workers issue fresh strike threat
11 mins -
‘Lapses in banking system are not unique’ – John Awuah on managing fraud in Ghana’s Banks
19 mins -
Bawumia confident of victory in 2024 election
53 mins -
Strengthening audit institutions essential for tackling fiscal mismanagement – Domelevo
1 hour -
Healthy Aging: The Role of the Gut Microbiome and How Diet Can Help
1 hour -
Seek medical care, diagnosis for breast cancer – Dr Abiti to women
1 hour -
Hardship: Men now collect marriage list from different families to get cheapest – Report
1 hour -
‘If you’re looking for trouble, you’ll get it,’ Falz tells VeryDarkMan
1 hour -
Paramount Chief of Avenor grateful to NPP, calls for completion of Agenda 111 project
2 hours -
Bawumia commissions ultramodern office complex for Ho Municipal Assembly
2 hours -
Bawumia declares NPP’s infrastructure record unmatched
2 hours -
Importers face duty on Electric Vehicles despite gov’t’s exemption promises
2 hours -
4 additional Democracy Hub protesters discharged
2 hours