Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU) in the Upper East region has also embarked on an industrial strike; accusing President Akufo-Addo’s led government of turning a blind eye on their condition of services.
The union says since 2016, the government has not been fair to the plight of its members hence it will continue to be on strike until their demands are met.
At a press conference held in Bolgatanga at the Upper East Regional Hospital, the First Vice Chairman of the union in the Upper East Region, Ziblim Abdul-Latif, said despite their fundamental principles that drive the health sector, the government still sees them as invalid.
He said “Though teamwork stands as a strong fundamental principle that drives the Health Sector, it is perturbing to note that Government has deliberately decided to cause segregation and disharmony within the health fraternity. This assertion stems from the fact that the Collective Agreement between the HSWU and the Government has since 2016 not seen any proper implementation and to complicate matters, the review of the conditions of service for HSWU members has been long overdue after the other sister Union’s conditions of service have been reviewed either twice in 2019 and 2021 or once in 2020 and are being implemented, whilst our members are working with them in the same facilities and are neglected. How fair is this?”
Touching on the need for government to listen to their concerns, Mr. Abdul-Latif noted that the employer which is the government must with all sincerity do away with the lackadaisical attitude and address their predicaments.
“This unfair treatment must stop because we are fed-up. The dragging of feet and lackadaisical nature with which the Government handles the issues of HSWU can’t be tolerated anymore.”
Being remorseful of the strike, the vice-chairman, however, encouraged citizens of Ghana not to fall sick at their trying times.
“We are pleasing don’t be sick at this time because our members will not be available in the health facilities to take care of you. Dear Ghanaians please find alternatives to the public health facilities and pray against all illnesses.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
