Gov't pharmacists on nationwide strike

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Parent Category: Health & Fitness

Category: News & Research

Created on Sunday, 01 April 2012 00:00

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The leadership of pharmacists in all government hospitals has announced an indefinite strike beginning from Sunday.

This is to protest for delays on the part of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to put them on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS).

Even before the strike starts, the National Labour Commission (NLC) has declared it illegal, arguing that compulsory arbitration on the issue is still underway.

But spokesperson for the Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association, Ernest Owusu Aboagye, in an interview with Joy News dismissed this saying, until they are also migrated unto the SSSS the pharmacists will go ahead with the strike.

He said members of the association had endured meager salaries for too long and that it is high time they are treated fairly.

He added that the association has received an invitation for a meeting from both the NLC and the FWSC, and that the leadership is ever ready to meet the two bodies when the time is due.

Mr Aboagye added that though the nature of their profession is one of “friends of the human race”, owing to the fact that pharmacists are supposed to be available 24/7 for patients who needed their services, it is rather unfortunate that the unexpected has to happen.

Though the situation is a very difficult one, he said, it is simply sad that things have to come this far.

"...I hope with this action, the appropriate authorities will wake up and do something positive to save the situation" in order to save lives of innocent patients," Ernest said.

From:Benedicta Anane/Myjoyonline.com