The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) served notice to the government, citing deliberate neglect of their demands.
They have announced plans to withdraw their services starting Thursday, September 26. They say this is in protest against unfulfilled complaints about their salary and working conditions.
MOWAG General Secretary Richard Kofi Jordan cited this decision as a last resort after the government’s continued failure to address their concerns. In a press statement on Tuesday, September 17, they cited the government’s failure to address long-standing demands as some reasons for the strike.
According to the workers, their concerns include improved pay, a better working environment, and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). They emphasized that the inadequate provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) leaves workers exposed to diseases and hazards.
MOWAG emphasized that despite negotiations with the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities, their requests have made little progress. The association’s leadership made it clear that their patience had run out after years of unmet promises.
In addition, unpaid salary arrears from 2020 are still outstanding. They say the request for funding authorization to hire 500 more mortuary employees has been turned down.
MOWAG is also further demanding payment of the COVID-19 bonus announced by the President, which mortuary workers have yet to receive.
The statement noted the alarming rate of mortuary worker deaths, with 16 reported in one year, called the urgency of addressing these concerns.
The workers warned that the impending strike would disrupt operations at healthcare facilities across the country, leaving morgues overwhelmed with bodies.
But they say until their demands are met, members are expected to stay home as all mortuaries will be closed.
Mortuary workers stressed that they play a vital role in the healthcare system and should be fairly compensated for the risks they take.
They called on the government to act swiftly to address their demands, warning of the serious consequences of the strike on the nation’s healthcare facilities.
