The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has described its decision to suspend its nationwide strike as a very difficult one.
The decision followed a meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, striking nurses, and other key stakeholders.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Friday, June 13, the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Philemon Gyapong, explained that the leadership faced immense pressure from members who were adamant about not returning to work without concrete assurances.
He revealed that during negotiations, government representatives proposed a compromise which required the association to select a few of its listed demands to be addressed immediately, while others would be postponed until next year.
Without revealing the specific reason for the suspension, he noted that the stakeholder meeting was productive, leading to the union’s decision to call off the strike.
“It was a very difficult and tough one. As leaders, our hands were tight because our members had given us a tough time that they would not return to work until we had reached some level of engagement that is pleasing to them, and this, I say, was a difficult call.
“At a point, we were made to choose within the list, some of these allowances which they will take steps to work on while the rest were pushed to the next year, and it is not easy to select, looking at how important and segmented these allowances are,” he said.
The GRNMA demands the full implementation of its 2024 Collective Agreement, which includes the payment of a 13th-month salary, fuel and medical allowances, rural incentive allowance, and the renewal of professional licenses. The association has also raised concerns over delayed postings and unpaid allowances.
The strike has significantly affected healthcare delivery across the country, with the government urging continued dialogue to reach a resolution.
Suspending strike: Health Minister’s promises fell short, but Committee acted Swiftly – GRNMA