The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has announced a nationwide strike scheduled to commence on the 17th of June 2024.

Citing prolonged and stalled negotiations as the primary reason, the Union deemed the strike necessary.

In a notice, the Union stated, “Without prejudice to the directives given by the National Labour Commission on 30th May 2024, we recognize that the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance are deliberately frustrating the efforts of a rather peaceful union that is ensuring that Labour-Management relationship does not suffer,” the Union indicated in a notice.

The notice continued, “To prevent a rather explosive situation that cannot be easily managed by the union, the National Executive Council at an emergency meeting, approved the demands of membership to proceed on a full-blown industrial strike action effective Monday 17th June 2024 to enable them to press home the needed attention and importance to be given to the concerns of the union.

“Thus, services provided by our members in all medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories, and selected mortuary facilities will be impacted.”

“In light of the escalating situation, the National Executive Council, during an emergency meeting, sanctioned the membership’s demands to initiate a full-scale industrial strike action starting Monday, the 17th of June 2024. This action aims to draw attention to the concerns of the union.”

The strike is expected to affect services provided by members in medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories, and selected mortuary facilities.