The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has temporarily suspended its indefinite strike, which began today, granting the government a two-week deadline to meet their demands.
The strike was aimed at pushing for improved working conditions, including the provision of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), resolution of salary arrears, and financial clearance for the recruitment of 500 new mortuary workers.
Richard Kofi Jordan, General Secretary of MOWAG, announced that the strike would resume if the government fails to meet their demands by October 10.
In an interview with some journalists, Jordan stressed the association’s commitment to their cause, stating that they are determined to continue advocating for their rights.
Key among their demands is the provision of adequate PPE to protect workers from diseases and hazards in their line of duty.
MOWAG is also calling for the settlement of salary arrears that were agreed upon in 2020 but have yet to be paid.
Additionally, the union is seeking financial clearance to recruit 500 new personnel to alleviate the staffing shortages in mortuaries across the country.
Jordan emphasised that these demands are reasonable and do not pose a threat to the economy.
He also criticised the government for not fulfilling its promise to provide incentives for frontline health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am therefore directing my members to resume work immediately and serve the good people of this country. However, this does not mean that we have called off the strike. We are ready to resume it if our demands are not met,” Jordan stated.
He added, “Starting from October 10, if even one person has not received what they are owed, we will resume the strike, and this time, it will not be pleasant.”
MOWAG’s demands include the immediate provision of PPE, which they consider non-negotiable, the payment of long-overdue salary arrears, and financial clearance for the recruitment of more mortuary workers.
Jordan also reminded the government of its unfulfilled promise to motivate frontline health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, which MOWAG members claim they have been unfairly excluded from.
As the two-week ultimatum approaches, the government is expected to act swiftly to address these pressing concerns or face the resumption of the mortuary workers’ strike.