The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has warned of another nationwide strike if the government does not comply with its demands.
It claims that the long-standing complaints with the government that prompted their current strike have not been resolved despite the suspension of the industrial action.
According to the Association, which represents the interests of all mortuary workers nationally, its members will lay down their tools in November if the situation remains unchanged.
Mortuary workers to strike again in November
The Association’s demands to the government include urgent improvements in their working circumstances, such as higher wages, a safer working environment, and the provision of critical personal protective equipment (PPE).
Richard Kofi Jordan, General Secretary of MOWAG, tells Accra-based Citi News that they have been calling for these requests since 2019 but have not been met.
According to Jordan, the government has requested data in an attempt to delay their negotiations, which he claims will not be a hindrance to their strike if the government stays determined.
He accused the government of purposely using measures to undermine the workers’ basic demands.
He went on to say that they had to make sacrifices throughout the years to work in such horrible conditions, putting their health and safety at risk.
Laying down their tools, Jordan stated, is the only way they believe the government will listen to their demands.
“We cannot strike at the middle of the month. So we’re planning for another week. It might be the end of this month or the first week of next month [November], but we will disclose it to the public so that you understand.
“As I speak to you, the government has requested specific data from us, which we believe is an attempt to postpone the process. They sought specific information from us, which we are supplying. But that isn’t enough to say we won’t go on strike. We would certainly strike if our demands are not addressed within one month,” he said.