Doctors embark on nation-wide strike
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) is embarking on a nationwide strike by the close of work on Friday, October 7, if their demands are not met.
The GMA resolved to lay down their tools after an emergency National Executive Council meeting (NEC) on Thursday.
A statement jointly signed by Dr Emmanuel Adom Winful, President and Dr Frank Serebour, Deputy General Secretary of the Association, said: “The GMA does not foresee their grievances being met by the close of business on Friday, October 7, and has therefore instructed all doctors to stop work and hold themselves in readiness for further instructions”.
The GMA is complaining about distortions in the grading structures of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), issues of unscientific determination of market premium and inducement by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC).
Others are the inability of the FWSC to provide unequivocal evidence of migration of doctors onto the SSSS and the ambiguous stance of the Single Spine Salary Secretariat on the positions of District Directors of Health Service and Medical Superintendents.
“Looking at the stands of the FWSC, it appears unlikely that any attempt is being made to address our concerns.
“In the light of this, the National Executive Council of the GMA has decided that the roadmap as stated in the press statement issued in Tamale on September 24 should come into effect.
“After October 7, if the conditions above are not met, the NEC of GMA after taking into consideration the frustrations and concerns of members, has instructed all doctors to stop work and hold themselves in readiness for further instructions,” the statement added.
In another development, the National Labour Commission (NLC) has decided to resolve the dispute between FWSC and the GMA by compulsory arbitration as provided for under Section 162 of the Labour Act.
A statement issued in Accra on Friday, by Mr Mohammed Affum, Public Affairs Officer of NLC said: “In view of the fact that the dispute relates to parties in the health sector, which is essential service, the Labour Commission has decided that the dispute shall be resolved by compulsory arbitration as provided for under Section 162 of the Labour Act”.
Meanwhile, the Commission has directed the parties to stay any action or intended action in furtherance of their positions as it sets the process in motion for a settlement of the dispute.
The statement said on Friday the FWSC informed the Commission that the negotiations had reached a deadlock and therefore, referred the dispute to the NLC for resolution.
The NLC recalled that about two weeks ago, it invited the GMA and FWSC to facilitate a settlement of a dispute between them arising out of the migration of public sector medical officers onto the SSSS.
Following their respective presentations at the meeting, the NLC advised the parties to continue the negotiations with a view of reaching an agreement and report back on Wednesday, October 5.
Source: GNA