Ministry of Health appeals to laboratory workers to call off strike

admin June 22, 2024

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The Ministry of Health has appealed to the leadership of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union (MELPWU) to reconsider the decision to strike and return to the negotiation table.

The Ministry said this is necessary to ensure that ongoing negotiations proceed smoothly.

“The Ministry 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,” a part of a press release dated June 17, 2024, reads.

The Ministry further appealed to members of the MELPWU “to exercise patience as Government Negotiation Team, supported by the Ministry, expedites the negotiations to enable MELPWU to call off its strike.”

“Please be assured of our utmost cooperation and respect for your dedication to your members’ welfare. We hope that in the spirit of cooperation, this strike will be called off as soon as possible,” the Ministry urged.

Members of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union had threatened to commence a strike action effective June 17, to urge the government to approve and implement their proposed Conditions of Service.

The Ministry of Health said “The Government Negotiations Team led by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission FWSC, has had extensive engagement with MELPWU since 2023 and is guided by both internal and external relativities.

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.”