The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has commenced a nationwide strike starting today, Thursday, September 26, 2024, following an earlier warning to the government.
This decision, outlined in a statement released on September 17, 2024, stems from unresolved grievances and demands that MOWAG insists must be addressed.
The association’s letter was formally addressed to the Minister of Health, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Minister of National Security, and other key authorities, emphasizing their intention to withdraw services as mandated by the 1992 Constitution and Section 159 of Act 651-2003 (Labour Law).
MOWAG has highlighted several critical concerns, including unpaid salary arrears dating back to 2020, the need for adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), a request for financial clearance for the employment of 500 new mortuary workers, and the disbursement of a promised COVID-19 bonus announced by the President.
“This action is necessitated by some pressing demands which the Employer has, in our opinion, deliberately ignored. We shall exercise our rights as guaranteed in the 1992 Constitution by withdrawing all services,” the statement declared.
The association has warned that if their demands are not met, all mortuaries nationwide will be closed, and workers will remain at home until the issues are resolved.
MOWAG has made it clear that they are not interested in further meetings or hearings, insisting, “It is simply about implementation.”
The association’s leadership noted the alarming number of deaths among mortuary workers in recent times, reinforcing their determination to stand firm in their demands.
This strike follows a similar dispute in late 2023, when a brief service withdrawal left many families in distress, but despite subsequent negotiations with the government, their concerns have remained unaddressed, prompting this latest action.
