Let’s resolve differences before you suspend services – NLC to mortuary workers

The National Labour Commission (NLC) says it is inviting the leadership of the Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) for further deliberations before members of the association embark on their intended strike.

A few days ago, the mortuary workers threatened to embark on another strike over the government’s failure to review their salaries and conditions of service.

If the workers carry out their threat, it will be their third nationwide strike in less than 12 months. During the group’s most recent industrial action in February 2019, the NLC referred the negotiations to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, but the mortuary workers say nothing positive has come out of it.

But the NLC says it cannot be blamed for the setbacks.

Andrew Asamoah is Chairman of the NLC and he said: “We met with the mortuary workers to look into their grievances, and we agreed that the first part was their emoluments and salaries levels.”

“So we called in the Fair Wages and the agreement was that, they will go with the Commission and sort out that portion. When they finish, then issues on clothing, allowance and other things they need will be looked at.”

“I don’t know what has happened between them and the Fair Wages but as far as we are concerned, we have been working and have no problems with them. If they are not happy with developments, they should come back to us so that we find an applicable solution to the whole issue,” he added.

Mortuary workers threaten strike again over unpaid salaries

MOWAG had threatened an indefinite nationwide strike for the third time over what they described as the reluctance of government to meet their demands.

The Association, in March 2019, laid down their tools over low salaries and poor working conditions.

The strike was called off on the third day of the protest after a meeting with the National Labour Commission with the hope that their grievances would be met.

Speaking to Citi News, however, the General Secretary of MOWAG, Richard Jordan, indicated that they have seen no progress of the said negotiations, hence the upcoming strike.

“As I speak to you there has not been any sign of negotiation.We think that some people are still conspiring. It is therefore necessary for us to show our displeasure. We are not sure when but we shall communicate clearly to the public and the media. We will not be intimidated and bullied around as if we do not know what we are doing. We are tired of stories and moving us here and there. We are not illegally taking anything from anybody.”

Source: ghanaweb.com