Government has described the strike action by medical doctors as illegal and urges them to withdraw their action whiles negotiations continue.
A statement issued by Employment and Labour Relations minister, Haruna Iddrisu re-emphasizes government’s “commitment to the creation of a conducive working environment for all public sector workers”.
He says the Public Service Joint Negotiating Committee(PSJNC) is already in a universal discussion of Category 2 & 3 allowances but calls for cool heads since any adjustments must be done within the framework of the approved budget.
“Also, as a result of the need to maintain equity and fairness in public sector remuneration, especially in order not to jeopardize the recently implemented Single Spine Pay Policy, it has become necessary for Government to seek the
advice of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on the demands put forward by the doctors.”
The minister believes government is being coerced into kowtowing to the demands of the GMA; a situation he describes as unfair.
Read full statement below
PRESS RELEASE
Government wishes to restate its commitment to the creation of a conducive working environment for all public sector workers.
In this regard, Government has lately been in discussion with the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) on conditions of service for medical officers. It should be noted that the demands contained in the proposed conditions of service have never existed in the past.
Government wishes to note that already the Public Service Joint Negotiating Committee (PSJNC) is involved in a universal discussion of Category 2 & 3 allowances. Any negotiations of such allowances must therefore be under the
ambit and in line with the work of the PSJNC.
Further it is important for Government to conduct a financial analysis of the impact of any such conditions of service on Government expenditure in order not to adversely affect the annual budget approved by Parliament.
Also, as a result of the need to maintain equity and fairness in public sector remuneration, especially in order not to jeopardize the recently implemented Single Spine Pay Policy, it has become necessary for Government to seek the
advice of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission on the demands put forward by the doctors.
Government is of the view that while these processes are on-going, it is unfair and against the rules of labour practice for the GMA to declare a partial strike by withdrawing all outpatient services. This amounts to coercion and an attempt to compel Government to negotiate under duress.
The current withdrawal of services is illegal and Government calls on the GMA to call of the partial strike with
immediate effect.
Haruna IDDRISU (Hon.)
MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT & LABOUR RELATIONS ACCRA
August 03, 2015.
