Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has decided to temporarily halt its plans for a nationwide industrial action.

This decision comes after the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) obtained financial clearance for two out of the 13 items that were under negotiation for their Conditions of Service.

While this move by the FWSC prevented the strike from proceeding, the union's leadership expressed dissatisfaction, describing it as "woefully inadequate" and "disappointing."

During a press conference held late Friday afternoon to announce the strike, the union executives declared the temporary suspension of the strike declaration.

This decision was made in light of the developments at their negotiation meeting, which took place just before the press conference.

“We are highly disappointed that the FWSC has clearance for only two out of the 13 items under negotiation,” said Dr Cephas Kofi Akortor, General Secretary of MELPWU.

However, he emphasized that while the union remains committed to negotiating in good faith, they will not tolerate any attempts by the government to exploit their patience.

Negotiations over the Conditions of Service between the union and the FWSC have been ongoing for nearly two years, with significant delays from the government's side. This has prompted threats of a nationwide industrial action by the union.

On May Day, the union issued a 20-day ultimatum to the government to address outstanding issues, including the provision of financial clearance by the Ministry of Finance to facilitate the resumption and conclusion of negotiations by the FWSC.

With the expiration of the ultimatum approaching, the Labour Commission intervened on May 16th, convening a meeting between the parties and directing the FWSC to resume and conclude negotiations to prevent any industrial action by the union.

Both parties were instructed to report back to the NLC on May 30th regarding the outcome of their discussions.

In compliance with this directive, the union postponed its strike plans, and on May 21st, the FWSC held a meeting with the union to attempt to restart negotiations.

However, the meeting ended inconclusively as the Ministry of Finance had not yet provided the necessary financial clearance.

As the union prepared to declare the strike on Friday, the FWSC convened an emergency negotiation meeting ahead of the press conference.

During this meeting, they informed the union about the availability of financial clearance for two out of the 13 demand items.

Dr. Akortor urged the union members to remain calm as the leadership assesses the government's commitment to the new assurances provided by the FWSC and the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations. This assessment will determine the next course of action.

A strike by the union would significantly impact healthcare delivery nationwide, as laboratories in public health facilities would cease operations.

The union's membership includes Medical Laboratory Scientists, Technicians, and Assistants who provide laboratory diagnostic services in various clinical laboratories and blood banks under the Ministry of Health and associated agencies.

This includes the Ghana Health Service, National Blood Service, Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), Teaching Hospitals, Health Training Institutions, Ahmadiyya Health Services Ghana, and the University of Ghana Medical Centre, among others.

Additionally, it comprises laboratory professionals who offer technical services in Pathology Laboratories and selected mortuary facilities across the country.