The National Labour Commission (NLC), has filed a writ at the Labour Division of the High Court against the striking biomedical laboratory scientists, praying the court to compel them to go back to post.
The Commission had ordered the Ghana Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists (GABMLS), not to embark on its proposed strike which started yesterday [Monday] and now the NLC contends that the action is illegal.
The biomedical scientists laid down their tools to highlight their displeasure with government’s non-implementation of the National Health Laboratory policy which they say will help raise the quality of laboratory science practice in the country.
The concerns of the biomedical laboratory scientist’s aside, the Executive Secretary of the NLC, Charles Adongo Bawa Duah explained to Citi News that the workers’ action violates the dictates of the labour laws.
“The application was necessitated by the fact that, notwithstanding that the Commission has directed the association of biomedical laboratory scientists not to embark on the strike action. It has come to our attention that they have indeed gone ahead to start a strike on Monday and for his reason, the commission has had to act by compelling them to comply with the decision of the National Labour Commission,” he said.
“If you look at the provisions of the law, it is very clear that where the Commission has made directives and the parties do not comply, the Commission ought to apply to the high court to enforce this,” Mr. Duah explained.
In the NLC’s order to the scientists to desist from any possible action, it explained that the laboratory scientists were essential health service providers and thus must be restrained from any form of service withdrawal.
Mr. Duah stated that, “If you look at the provision of the law, it is very clear that persons engaged in essential services are prohibited by law to undertake a strike action and these people, having started a strike action are acting in gross violation of the provisions of the law.”
Blame the Health Minister for strike- GABMLS
The Members of the GABMLS have however said the Minister of Health, Alex Segbefia should be blamed for the consequences of their strike, including lives that would be lost as a result.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra yesterday [Monday], President of the Association, Ignatius Awimibumo said they here hesitant of striking for fear of possible deaths, but his outfit now believes the only way to persuade the Ministry to resolve their issues is by a strike.
“This is frustration. Any death should be attributable to the Minister of Health. He has the power to do what he has to do. He should just take that bold step.”
“This is what leadership is about. He should provide leadership to the health sector. Health work is team work. He should strengthen the laboratories so that we can support his vision as a Minister,” Mr. Awimibmo added.
Source: The Herald / Citifm
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