GRNMA strike will remain impactful despite withdrawal of sister unions – Desmond Yaani
Yaani urged the government, the Ministry, and the Ghana Health Service to act swiftly in implementing the agreed-upon conditions of service to alleviate the growing hardship faced by nurses across the country.
The Upper East Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Desmond Yaani, has stated that the withdrawal of sister unions from the planned strike action will not diminish its overall impact.
Speaking on the Thursday, May 29 edition of the News Beat, Yaani expressed disappointment at the decision of other nursing unions to dissociate themselves from the industrial action.
He, however, maintained that the strike, led by the GRNMA, will proceed as planned and remain highly effective.
“To the best of my knowledge, all unions were made aware of the strike. They have been aware of engagements since the court issue was resolved till date,” Yaani said, underscoring that the GRNMA has consistently communicated with all allied unions throughout the lead-up to the strike.
He described the decision of the other unions to pull out as “unfortunate” and “surprising,” particularly since, according to him, all parties were informed and involved in deliberations leading to the strike.
Yaani was confident that the GRNMA’s significant membership base would be enough to make a strong impact, with or without the support of sister unions. He stressed that the strike is aimed at securing improved conditions of service for all nurses and midwives in Ghana, not just for GRNMA members.
“The strike will be so well that they [the sister unions] will even want to join. It is to benefit all nurses in Ghana and not just the GRNMA,” he stated.
“This is not the first time they are backing down when we draw a road map for something like this.” He added.
Addressing calls from the Ministry of Health for the strike to be suspended, Yaani urged the government, the Ministry, and the Ghana Health Service to act swiftly in implementing the agreed-upon conditions of service to alleviate the growing hardship faced by nurses across the country.
The strike action comes amid disagreements between health workers and government officials over unresolved labour concerns, particularly regarding remuneration and working conditions. The GRNMA has indicated that the strike will continue until tangible steps are taken to meet their demands.
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