The Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU) of TUC (Ghana) has issued a November 11 ultimatum to the government, demanding the finalisation of a new collective agreement with health agencies under the Ministry of Health.
In a statement, the union expressed mounting frustration among members over the prolonged negotiations.
It highlighted that completing the agreement was essential for easing the economic difficulties faced by health services workers.
According to HSWU leadership, they submitted proposals to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) in November 2023, initiating the negotiations as required by law.
However, after several discussions since May 2024, there has been no progress.
This, they said has left their members agitated and their patience has worn thin.
“There have been countless meetings with the government team, and we seem not to be making a headway. We are giving them up to Monday, November 11, 2024, to get all the outstanding issues resolved to enable the parties to conclude and sign the agreement for its implementation,” the statement read.
READ ALSO: Health workers union renews call for govt to enrol casuals onto payroll
Failure to meet the deadline, the union said it would “advise itself in a language that the government best understands”.
Meanwhile, the FWSC has denied delays in concluding the negotiations.
According to FWSC, the negotiation process between the government and the HSWU has been conducted in alignment with Section 97 of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651), which governs negotiations for Conditions of Service.
The Commission stated that it has “at all times shown great commitment” to these negotiations, and highlighted several meetings and actions that demonstrate its responsiveness to HSWU’s proposals.
It, therefore, expressed surprise at the Union’s intention to take action if negotiations are not concluded by 11 November, describing their actions as in “bad faith”.