General Secretary of the Mortuary Workers Association, Richard Jordan, has highlighted the inadequate salaries that many mortuary workers receive, particularly within the private sector.

Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he revealed that some workers earn as little as GH¢300 to GH¢400 a month, shedding light on the financial hardships faced by those dedicated to this crucial yet frequently neglected profession.

The Mortuary Workers Association is preparing to launch a nationwide strike action beginning Thursday, September 26, 2024.

This protest aims to address the poor working conditions and unresolved grievances that have long plagued the sector.

Mr Jordan emphasized that despite the significant risks associated with their duties, members of the Association continue to endure mistreatment and underpayment.

“But the truth is that the basic salary is very small and will amount to nothing even if you add the percentages.

"The worst situation is that after the taxes are deducted, you are left with nothing. That is the main concern we have raised. If we were working in other jurisdictions, we would have become wealthy people.”

The maintenance of mortuaries, he lamented, was also a problem, saying, “Our mortuaries are not in good condition at all. We are embarking on an indefinite strike and will remain on strike if our concerns are not addressed by Wednesday evening. We will no longer accept any dialogue; our demand is for all the issues we have raised to be addressed.

"The challenges we are confronted with are more, and we don’t want to stress Ghanaians, but at this point, we have exhausted every avenue, and the only option is to embark on a strike action.

"Our strike action is justified by law. We can no longer entertain such stupidity and senselessness.

"Why should you employ someone and pay the person GH¢300 or GH¢400? We work 24 hours a day, and so if this is not stupidity, how else should I describe it? The reality is that the conditions in our facilities are deplorable.”