GMA slams Labour Commission; vows to disregard new ruling





The Ghana Medical Association says it will not abide by the latest ruling issued by the Labour Commission which spells out the payment schedule of arrears owed them.

The doctors protested the payment schedule instituted by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and therefore proceeded to the Labour Commission for redress.

But the Commission upheld the decision by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

Per the ruling released on Friday doctors will be paid in three tranches 2012 arrears owed them and the payment will begin in May 2013.

The May payment will comprise arrears for January 2012 to April 2012. The second payment due in July will comprise arrears for May 2012 to September 2012 whilst the final payment due in September 2013 will comprise arrears of September 2012 to December 2012.

The ruling has sent members of the Ghana Medical Association angry all the more.

Its President, Adusei Poku told Joy News the ruling did not take into account the interest of the doctors and therefore they will not abide by it.

According to him, the ruling was procured by elements within government, alleging he is privy to threatening messages received by members of the Commission to accede to demands by government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

When asked to back his allegations with evidence, the GMA president said he would not divulge it on air.

Adusei Poku could not understand why entitlements owed other public officials would be paid in full whilst that of doctors would be paid in three tranches.

According to him ruling from the Labour Commission has never been binding. He cited two rulings in 2011 and February 2013 which government and the Fair Wages Commission failed to implement.

It will therefore not be the first time a ruling by the Labour Commission will be disregarded, he pointed out.

Adusei Poku said the Commission has lost its power and independence because it is being controlled heavily by government officials.

He said the Association will meet on Saturday to take a full view of the ruling issued by the Commission and they will react accordingly.

But the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has described as unfortunate the position taken by the doctors.

Its spokesperson Earl Ankrah told Joy News the ruling by the Lbour Commission should be binding on all petitioners.