Laboratory Scientists Refuse To Call Off Strike

The striking laboratory scientists in public health facilities have refused to call off their one week industrial action, calling the bluff of the National Labour Commission (NLC).

An Accra High Court, on Friday, at the request of the National Labour Commission, ordered the striking laboratory scientists to immediately call off their industrial action.

The executives, members and agents of the Ghana Medical Association of Laboratory Scientists are also not to embark on any industrial action but to comply with the procedure provided under the Labour Act for resolving their dispute with their employer.

The Commission secured an interlocutory injunction from the High Court calling on members of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Chapter of the Association to call off their strike.

A statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Ofosu Asamoah, said the injunction should be served by substituted service through publication in the electronic media for four days.

The period is from Friday, May 28 to Monday, May 31.

But the striking laboratory scientists have failed to respect the court order insisting on demanding for what is right to them.
Patients at the KATH were still using the services of private laboratories and those who cannot afford were left stranded this morning.

Members of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Chapter of the Association started the strike on Wednesday to back home their demand for the withdrawal of two medical doctors posted to the Laboratory Unit as clinical hematologists.
This was preceded by days of sit-down-strike.

On Thursday, they were joined by their counterparts across the nation amid calls from the Commission, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, and other stakeholders on them to return to the mediation table.

Members of the Association say they are against what they call ‘other professionals taking over their roles’ in the health facilities.

Patients, especially at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, have been distressed by the action.

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