FWSC and GMA negotiations take a different twist
The deadlock between the doctors and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has taken another perilous twist as the compulsory arbitration called by the National Labour Commission (NLC) under the powers of the labour law collapses.
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) which represented the doctors at the arbitration strongly voiced their inability to continue with the negotiation, citing a legal suit filed by an NGO challenging the legality of the prolonged strike – a major subject of the arbitration.
As the doctors’ strike enters its 17th day, the GMA has blocked the progress of the compulsory arbitration called by the NLC on the powers of the labour law.
Under the law the Doctors would have been under compulsion to call off their strike while they are in the arbitration. But as it is the strike can continue because the arbitration process is on hold and could only resume when a law suit filed against the strike is decided by the court.
Spokesperson for the NLC Mohammed Afum refused to disclose details of the meeting held behind closed doors with the doctors and the FWSC to kick start the arbitration. They are due to reconvene on Wednesday possibly work out the arbitration.
However, while the NLC supervises the adjournments, many sick people continue to suffer the effects of the strike which is in its third week. It’s unclear how many have died but e.tv Ghana sources reveal that many deaths in the country’s health facilities during the strike were avoidable had the doctors been at post.
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