Mortuary workers to strike again over unresolved grievances

The Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) has officially announced a nationwide strike set to begin on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

This decision follows the failure of authorities to resolve longstanding grievances raised by the association.
In a statement titled “Notification of Intention to Resume Strike Action in Abeyance,” MOWAG accused relevant stakeholders of showing a lack of commitment to addressing their concerns.
The planned strike comes after the association temporarily suspended an earlier industrial action on September 26, 2024, to allow for negotiations.

“Despite our efforts to reach a mutually acceptable resolution, the issues that led to the initial strike remain unresolved. We have been left with no choice but to take this decision to protect the interest of our members,” the statement read.
MOWAG has instructed mortuary workers in both public and private facilities across the country to halt operations indefinitely beginning November 28. This action is expected to disrupt mortuary services nationwide, potentially affecting funeral arrangements and bereaved families.

The association has repeatedly called attention to poor working conditions, inadequate salaries, and insufficient resources to ensure safe and efficient operations. MOWAG argues that these challenges undermine both the welfare of its members and the quality of mortuary services in Ghana.
Despite announcing the strike, the leadership of MOWAG says it remains open to dialogue, urging authorities to take immediate steps to resolve the impasse.
“We hope that even at this late stage, we can still resolve our differences through open and productive discussions,” the statement added.