Negotiations by gov’t and striking doctors still on

The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, said on Friday that negotiations between Government and Ghana Medical Association (GMA), on the conditions of service of doctors have not come to a deadlock.

A statement issued by Eugine N. Korletey, Acting Chief Labour Officer said negotiations were held at the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations on Wednesday, July 29 at which government negotiation team led by Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Mr Cassiel Ato Forson, Deputy Minister of Finance and Mr Alex Segbefia, Minister of Health.

It said the standing negotiating team agreed on a number of issues relating to the conditions of service.

“It is worth stating that both parties agreed to continue negotiations on Wednesday, August 5, to discuss the remaining issues that will be factored into the conditions of service.

“It is, therefore, regrettable and pathetic that the sick has become unfortunate victim of the striking doctors.

“It is pertinent to note that parties to negotiation are to do so in good faith without intimidation or threat as stipulated in S. 127 (3) & (4) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) which states as follows:

“A worker or group of workers who by any kind of threat seeks to intimidate the employer during negotiation of a collective agreement is guilty of unfair labour practice.

“Employer or employers’ organisations who seek by any kind of treat to intimidate the worker during negotiations of a collective agreement is guilty of unfair labour practice.”

The statement therefore appealed members of GMA to return to work while making room for the scheduled date for negotiation to continue without prejudice to provisions of the law.

GNA