The National Labour Commission (NLC) has declared the ongoing industrial action by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) illegal and ordered its members to resume work immediately.

According to a statement signed by the Deputy Chairperson of the NLC, Rose Karikari Anang, the directive follows GRNMA’s failure to comply with the legal requirements for initiating a strike, as outlined in Section 159 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).

The statement, dated Wednesday, June 4, 2025, noted that on May 29, 2025, the GRNMA notified the NLC of its intention to embark on industrial action, beginning with the wearing of red bands and escalating to a full withdrawal of services.

In response, the NLC—citing its authority under Section 138 of the Labour Act, and recognizing nurses and midwives as essential service providers under Section 162 and Regulation 20 of L.I. 1833 (Labour Regulations, 2007)—summoned the GRNMA to appear before it on June 4, 2025.

The Commission also directed the GRNMA to halt all planned actions to allow for mediation.

“While the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, represented by its Chief Executive, the Ministry of Health and allied institutions, and the Ministry of Finance were present before the Commission on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association failed to appear and has carried out its intended industrial action.

“The Commission notes that the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association failed to comply with Section 159 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which outlines the proper procedures for declaring industrial action,” the statement read.

Citing this violation, the NLC has ordered GRNMA members to return to their respective health facilities immediately.

Additionally, the Commission directed the GRNMA leadership to continue negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) regarding the implementation of their Collective Agreement and to report the outcome to the NLC by June 25, 2025, at 2:30 PM.

GA