The Ghana Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists (GABMLS) has indicated it will file a response to the suit against it by the National Labour Commission (NLC) on August 30.
The NLC filed a suit at the Labour Division of the High Court against the striking biomedical laboratory scientists, praying the court to compel them to resume work.
GABMLS began an indefinite strike on Monday, 22 August. The strike is part of measures by GABMLS to get the National Health Laboratory policy implemented without delay so as to infuse professionalism and quality standards into the practice.
A scheduled meeting between the Minister of Health, Alex Segbefia, and the leadership of GABMLS towards that end did not come off.
About 3,000 of the lab scientists, 2,000 of whom are in the public sector, are expected to be part of the strike.
But the NLC feels their action is illegal and has resorted to the law courts.
The NLC further explained that the laboratory scientists were essential health service providers and, thus, must be restrained from any form of service withdrawal.
However, the association maintains that they will meet the NLC in court as the strike continues unabated.
Public Relations Officer of the GABMLS, Dennis Adu-Gyasi, told Class FM on Tuesday, 23 August that their lawyers had received the writ and would respond appropriately.
“We are to report on 30 [August] and we will equally show up,” he indicated, adding: “As far as we are concerned, we are not putting the strike on hold, it is still in full force. When we go and the court gives any order, we will also make our case. Whatever comes out the National Executive Committee, we will meet and deliberate on the way forward.”
Source: Ghana/AccraFM.com
