The Ministry of Health has appealed to the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) to call off its strike that was commencing on Monday, June 17, 2024, and return to the negotiation table.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health acknowledges the strike notice issued by the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU), indicating that the strike will commence on Monday, June 17, 2024, to urge the government to approve and implement their proposed Conditions of Service. MELPWU has requested continued negotiations to finalize their proposed conditions of service with the government.
The Government Negotiations Team, led by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), has had extensive engagements with MELPWU since 2023 and is guided by both internal and external relativities.
According to the Ministry, the majority of the items proposed by MELPWU have been agreed upon by the Government Negotiations Team.
However, Uniform, Special Project, Unsociable, and Communication allowances proposed by the Union are still under various stages of negotiation.
The Ministry said it can confirm that negotiations are ongoing and therefore appeal to MELPWU leadership to reconsider its decision to strike and return to the negotiation table with the Government Negotiation Teams, which include the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.
It is therefore appealing to the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers to exercise patience as the Government Negotiation Team, supported by the Ministry, expedites the negotiations to enable MELPWU to call off its strike.
It assured MELPWU of its utmost cooperation and respect for its dedication to the members’ welfare. The Ministry hopes that, in the spirit of cooperation, the strike will be called off as soon as possible.
On June 3, the MELPWU announced the commencement of a nationwide strike on Monday, June 17, 2024. According to the union, the strike will affect services provided by their members in medical laboratories, blood banks, pathology laboratories, and selected mortuary facilities across the country.
