The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has announced a nationwide strike commencing Thursday, November 28, 2024, in response to unresolved grievances and unfulfilled promises from authorities.
In a statement titled “Notification of Intention to Resume Strike Action in Abeyance,” MOWAG expressed disappointment over the lack of commitment by relevant stakeholders to address their longstanding concerns.
The impending strike follows an earlier industrial action on September 26, 2024, which was temporarily suspended to allow for negotiations. However, the association claims that no meaningful progress has been made since then.
“Despite our efforts to reach a mutually acceptable resolution, the issues that led to the initial strike remain unresolved. We have been left with no choice but to take this decision to protect the interests of our members,” the statement said.
MOWAG has directed mortuary workers in both public and private facilities nationwide to halt operations indefinitely. The strike is expected to disrupt mortuary services, causing significant challenges for bereaved families and potentially delaying funeral arrangements.
The association has cited poor working conditions, inadequate salaries, and insufficient resources as the key reasons for the strike. MOWAG argues that these persistent challenges not only affect the welfare of its members but also compromise the quality and safety of mortuary services in Ghana.
Despite their decision to strike, MOWAG leadership has reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue and urged authorities to act swiftly to resolve the impasse.
“We hope that even at this late stage, we can still resolve our differences through open and productive discussions,” the statement concluded.