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Doctors’ strike, a systematic failure – Labour consultant

Speaking on Citi FM’s The Big Issue, Mr. Davor noted that the cause of the strike action is systematic failure.

 

The perennial strike action by doctors in the country is as a result of failure on the part of institutions to follow the basic rules of negotiations, a retired labour consultant, Francis Kofi Davor has said.

Members of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) on July 30 laid down their tools to protest government’s inability to provide them with conditions of service. They have resolved not to return to work and have threatened to resign en bloc if their demands are not met.

The decision has left patients stranded at various public hospitals while others have lost their lives.

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Speaking on Citi FM’s Mr. Davor noted that the cause of the strike action is systematic failure.

“The rules are very clear in these matters. The rule says the doctors provide essential service so when they have a problem, it should be dealt with within three days by the employer. If the employer cannot deal with it, the National Labour Commission must summon them to a compulsory arbitration where an arbitrator or panel of arbitrators meet and make a decision. The matter is resolved!” he stated.

Adding: “It’s as simple as that. So I don’t know why this whole hullaballoo and the price we are paying as a country. If everybody is going to play his role properly, the doctors will have no business embarking on any strike.”

A leaked document outlining the official demands of members of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) shows that the Association wants among other things, clothing and fuel allowances as high as 100 gallons a month for the highest ranked doctors, to 20 gallons for the lowest ranked.

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Government officials and some Ghanaians have subsequently criticised the demands the Ghana Medical Association is making as better conditions of service.

But Mr. Davor stated that the demands are not for public discussion.

“Unfortunately, because the rules are not being followed, everybody is talking about the matter. Politicians, party activists who do not know the business of negotiations are talking about it. As to whether the demands are high or not, it is a matter for the negotiating parties to engage on,” he said.

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