Mortuary workers threaten strike action on Sept.27

Mortuary workers in public institutions in Ghana have served notice to embark on a nationwide strike starting Thursday, September 26, 2024, in protest of poor working conditions and unresolved grievances.

The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) made their intentions clear through a statement, citing deliberate neglect of their demands.

In the statement, the General Secretary of MOWAG, Richard Kofi Jordan, said the strike action was a last resort after repeated attempts to resolve issues.

Grievances

The statement among others, complained about inadequate provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), leaving workers exposed to diseases and hazards.

Additionally, salary arrears dating back to 2020 remain unpaid and the request for financial clearance to employ 500 additional mortuary workers has been ignored.

The statement also demanded payment of the COVID-19 bonus announced by the President, which mortuary workers have yet to receive.

The statement noted the alarming rate of mortuary worker deaths, with 16 reported in one year, highlighting the urgency of addressing these concerns.

Until their demands are met, it said members will stay at home as all mortuaries will be closed.

No turning back

Mr Jordan said they had exhausted all means of getting their concerns addressed and until that is done to the letter, workers will not rescind their decision.

“If things remain the same as it is now, then on Thursday, September 27, we will begin our strike action and will stay away from work until all our demands are met.

Unlike previously, this time, any attempt to talk us out of the intended action would not work.

“At the general meeting of members of MOWAG, it was agreed that since all avenues to resolve our grievances have proven futile, notice of indefinite nationwide strike be served as in Section 159 of Act,651(2003).

“So on September 27, all government hospital mortuary staff will begin the nationwide strike action until all concerns are resolved,” Mr Jordan stated.

The demands for better working conditions have been ongoing since 2018 and last November, the workers threatened to go on strike but rescinded their decision following a meeting with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.