Mortuary workers threaten strike again over unpaid salaries

The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has threatened an indefinite nationwide strike for the second 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. “

The Association declared an indefinite strike for its members on Tuesday, March 4, 2019, over their low salaries and poor working conditions.

MOWAG subsequently called off its nationwide strike after three days of disrupted services.

The decision was taken  after the leadership of the group met with the National Labour Commission.

Prior to the meeting, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission described the strike by mortuary workers as illegal.

The Commission said the group failed to go through the approved procedure before declaring the industrial action.

During the short strike period, several bereaved families were left stranded at public mortuaries across the country; unable to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones for burial or deposit bodies due to the action.

Source: citifmonline.com