The National Labour Commission (NLC) has ordered striking laboratory scientists at the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, to call off its strike. According to the Commission, the striking parties should appear before it on Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr Ofosu Asamoah, it indicated that, the lab scientists should avail themselves for negotiations on their demands.

“The National Labour Commission hereby directs that with this intervention and in pursuance of section 161 of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651), the Union should call off the ongoing strike and/or any further intended action immediately for the parties to appear before the Commission as scheduled.

“In view of the COVID-19 protocols the representation by each side is restricted to a maximum of two (2) and this must also be noted.”

Striking Laboratory scientists

The Commission’s decision was in response to the Association’s decision to initiate an indefinite strike starting Thursday, 27th May 2021. This was after they had carried out a one-week sit-down strike to protest the posting of two haematologists to the Laboratory Service Department.

According to the Association, they will only call off the strike if the two are withdrawn from the hospital’s laboratory unit.

Due to this, the Ashanti Regional Branch of Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has declared an indefinite strike in solidarity with their colleagues.

That notwithstanding, the Commission has ordered the lab scientists to call off the strike and return to the negotiations table.

Prior to the Commission’s decision, the former chairperson GAMLS, Dr. Franklin Nii Amartey, declared that the union is striking to protest the unlawful imposition of doctors on their leadership.

Unfair implementation of policy

Additionally, Dr. Amartey further revealed that, the imposition of medical doctors on their leadership by the Ghana Medical Association is unwarranted. He believes that, the only reason they have been able to do that is due to their management positions.

According to him, the move is “unfair” and it explains why his members are also striking .

“So, the policy is a document. We had issues with it, so a committee was formed to look at the policy and both parties made a case. Now the committee came out with a finding and submitted same to the ministry. The ministry had to engage the parties involved to have a dialogue; so we can agree on the issues and then live happily-ever-after. That has not been done and the Komfo Anokye (KATH) management has gone ahead to implement their position on the policy; and we think that is unfair.

“And the only reason they have been able to do that is; whether we like it or not they are in the ultimate management positions. That is why they want to slap it on the face of Medical Laboratory professionals and then implement their intention on the policy”.
Dr. Amartey