After months of protracted negotiations marked by delays and industrial actions, the Medical Laboratory Professionals Workers Union (MELPWU) has achieved a significant milestone by signing its first-ever Collective Agreement with the government. The agreement, signed on Wednesday evening at the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) in Accra, is set to improve the working conditions and welfare of medical laboratory professionals nationwide.
The agreement, which takes effect in August 2024 and spans two years, outlines several financial and non-financial benefits. Key provisions include workman’s compensation, rural incentive packages, tools allowance, professional development support, market premium, medical subsidies, and other allowances, all aimed at enhancing laboratory services and staff well-being.
The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from MELPWU, the FWSC, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and the Ministry of Finance. Dr. Cephas Kofi Akortor, General Secretary of MELPWU, signed on behalf of the union, while FWSC Chief Executive Ing. Benjamin Arthur represented the government.
This agreement marks the first collective bargaining achievement for MELPWU since obtaining its certification in July 2022. It also addresses one of the union’s two main demands, the other being the posting of over 2,000 qualified medical laboratory professionals who are yet to be recruited due to the lack of financial clearance.
Speaking after the signing, Dr. Akortor expressed mixed feelings, noting that while the agreement is a step forward, some key demands—such as insurance and transportation benefits for junior workers—were excluded due to fiscal constraints linked to IMF conditionalities.
“Although we didn’t secure everything we sought, this is a good starting point. We’ve made compromises for the nation’s benefit, but this agreement ensures that our members will no longer face discretionary treatment,” Dr. Akortor stated.
He also called for immediate action on the recruitment of unemployed medical laboratory graduates to alleviate the workload in healthcare facilities. Additionally, he urged the Ministry of Finance to expedite financial clearance for over 19,000 allied health professionals still awaiting employment.
Professor Charles Oppong, Director of Grievances and Negotiations at FWSC, commended both parties for their cooperation during the challenging negotiation process. Handing over the signed document to MELPWU, he emphasized the importance of effective implementation to maintain industrial harmony.
Lawrence Odartey Lawson, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health, who chaired the ceremony, expressed optimism that the agreement would foster a more productive and harmonious working environment.
Mrs. Lizzy-Ann Kwagbedzi, Deputy CEO of Gamey and Gamey Group, consultants for MELPWU, applauded the efforts of the FWSC team and other stakeholders, highlighting their perseverance in overcoming the challenges of the negotiations.
The agreement is seen as a landmark step towards improving the professional lives of medical laboratory workers and strengthening healthcare delivery in Ghana.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
Join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakDz4u9RZATWh53yC1a
