Mortuary workers to embark on strike on September 26

The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) have threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if stakeholders fail to address their concerns and pressing demands.

According to MOWAG, the government's failure to fulfill their demands for adequate personal protective equipment, settle salary arrears dating back to 2020, and honor President Akufo-Addo's promise of COVID-19 bonuses, will force them to withdraw their services effective Thursday, September 26, 2024.

They made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, and signed by Richard Kofi Jordan, the General Secretary of the Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG).

“Notice is hereby respectfully served on your high offices that, starting from Thursday, 26th September, 2024; Mortuary workers shall exercise their rights as guaranteed in the 1992 constitution by withdrawing all services.

“This action is necessitated by some pressing demands which the Employer has in our opinion deliberately ignored. These demands have been in the domain of the Employer for some time now,” the statement reads.

The association further bemoaned the alarming increase in the number of deaths among mortuary workers, attributing it to poor conditions and a lack of adequate resources, particularly personal protective equipment, which poses dangers and risks to their health and safety.

Meanwhile, the group added that the failure of their employers to act swiftly and appropriately regarding their demands will result in the closure of all mortuaries.

Additionally, workers will be instructed to lay down their tools and stay at home.

“Members are directed to close all mortuaries, stay at home until the needful is done. The general public is therefore informed.

“We however do not expect a letter from any quarters demanding we come for hearing. Hearing time is over. It is simply about implementation,” the statement noted.

MAG/MA