[ 2016-08-23 ]

NLC sues striking biomedical lab scientists
The National Labour Commission (NLC) has filed
suit 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 GABMLS 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 - citifmonline.com

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