Pharmacists Suspends Nationwide Strike

The Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA) has temporarily suspended a planned nationwide industrial action following negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and the National Labour Commission (NLC).

A statement issued by Stephen Okoe Corquaye, National Chairman of GHOSPA, stressed that since members served notice of their intentions, there has been extensive deliberations with key stakeholders and institutions notably, the FWSC and the NLC and “the processes are still on course”.

It said in view of the on-going negotiations between GHOSPA/ Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana and FWSC and the timely intervention of the NLC, the planned industrial action has been put on hold. The statement described the move as a goodwill gesture for the on-going negotiation process to ensure that reasonable means for fair and acceptable resolution of grievances for pharmacists have been exhausted.

GHOSPA pleaded with members to remain resolute and vigilant, exercise restraint and continue to render optimal pharmaceutical care at their locations nationwide. The executives urged the FWSC, NLC, and other stakeholders to ensure a speedy, fair and transparent resolution of all the issues GHOSPA has raised and articulated to forestall any untoward events in the future.

The statement said whilst the leadership of GHOSPA remains committed to the processes towards migration onto the Single Spine Salary Structure, any unjust distortions in the grading or premiums could have dire consequences for smooth service delivery nationwide.