The National Labour Commission (NLC) has secured an interlocutory injunction compelling laboratory scientists across the country to call off their strike.

The court order directs the members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) to return to work while they “comply with the procedure.”

The injunction granted by Justice Frank Aboadwe Rockson said, “the respondents herein, whether by itself, its Executives, officers, members, agents, servants, employers or other persons are restrained from proceeding with its intended strike action…”

The industrial action started from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) on May 20, where medical laboratory scientists and allied professionals protested the decision of the management to post two doctors to work in their Unit.

The protest which began as a sit-down strike, escalated into a total withdrawal of services after an emergency meeting on Wednesday, May 26.
Other regional branches of the group joined in the action in solidarity with their colleagues, leaving many patients nationwide stranded.

Calls by the NLC to get the protesting officials to come to the table has proven futile.
In the latest twist, the High Court wants the Association to halt the industrial action and hold discussions in accordance with the Labour Act.

Describing the strike as illegal, NLC Executive Secretary, Ofosu Asamoah earlier revealed that the Commission will withdraw their salaries and terminate the appointment if they fail to call off their industrial action.
However, the GAMLS members called their bluff, adding that they are willing to risk it as long as the well-being of their members is protected.