The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers' Union (MELPWU) has temporarily suspended its ongoing strike.

Members are expected to return to work on Monday, June 24, to prepare their materials and officially begin rendering services on June 25.

The decision follows a meeting between the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

Speaking during a press conference, General Secretary of the union Dr Cephas Kofi Akortor said “Having reviewed the above directive by the National Labour Commission at the National Executive Council meeting and other stakeholders' meetings held between last night and this morning, with our labour consultant in attendance, 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 workplaces by Monday, June 24, 2024, to prepare for full operation on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.”

The General Secretary said the union has taken note of the ill treatment some facility managers and administrators had subjected its members to. He advised those taking actions to desist, else the union will have no option but to report their conduct to the NLC for redress.

Dr Ahorkor seized the opportunity to apologise to clients for any inconvenience caused during their absence from work.

"We also wish to unreservedly apologise to our cherished clients who suffered in any way during the industrial action and promise to continue to serve them to the best of our professional ability," he added.

On June 3, the MELPWU announced the commencement of a nationwide strike on Monday, June 17, 2024.

The strike affected services provided by their members in medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories, and selected mortuary facilities across the country.

This industrial action cames as a response to prolonged delays by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance in concluding negotiations with the union.

• Read also: Striking MELPWU members demand better conditions, decry intimidation

The laboratory units at the Manhyia Government Hospital and the  Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in  Kumasi was closed, following the strike.

From the consultation unit, patients were directed to access private laboratories.

But the patients decried the high cost of services at these private facilities.