The National Labour Commission (NLC) has declared the ongoing strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association (GRNMA) as illegal, ordering all nurses and midwives to return to work immediately.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 4 June 2025, the NLC said the industrial action violates Section 159 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), as GRNMA leadership failed to attend a scheduled meeting aimed at resolving their grievances. Representatives from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Finance were present, but the GRNMA did not show up, the NLC noted.

More than 128,000 nurses and midwives began a nationwide strike on 28 May 2025, protesting the government’s delay in implementing agreed conditions of service. GRNMA had outlined a phased industrial action, including the wearing of red armbands, withdrawal of outpatient services, and a full strike beginning 9 June. Emergency services have also since been withdrawn.

The NLC said it had responded promptly to GRNMA’s strike notice, summoning the association for a meeting on 4 June in accordance with Section 162 of the Labour Act and relevant labour regulations. It had also directed the union to suspend all planned actions to allow for mediation.

“The Commission declares the industrial action by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association as illegal and directs them to call it off with immediate effect,” the NLC said in its statement.

The Commission has further instructed GRNMA to continue negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and report progress by 25 June 2025.

Source:TheDotNews