The National Labour Commission (NLC) of Ghana has intervened decisively in the ongoing strike action by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), declaring the strike illegal and ordering an immediate return to work. The NLC’s directive, issued on June 4, 2025, criticizes the GRNMA for proceeding with the strike despite being summoned for mediation, emphasizing the disruption to healthcare services nationwide and the detrimental impact on patients left unattended. This forceful intervention underscores the NLC’s commitment to maintaining essential services and upholding the legal framework governing labor disputes. The Commission’s directive mandates the GRNMA to cease all industrial action and resume their duties without delay.
At the heart of the dispute lies the GRNMA’s claim of delayed implementation of their 2024 Collective Agreement. The association had formally notified the NLC of their intention to strike on May 29, 2025, citing the government’s failure to adhere to the agreed-upon terms. However, the NLC, exercising its authority under the Labour Act, directed the GRNMA to suspend all forms of protest, including symbolic actions like wearing red bands, pending discussions and mediation. This directive aimed to facilitate a peaceful resolution and prevent the escalation of the dispute into a full-blown strike.
The NLC’s mediation efforts were met with cooperation from key stakeholders, including the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Finance, all of whom attended the scheduled meeting on June 4, 2025. However, the GRNMA failed to appear, opting instead to proceed with the strike, a decision the NLC deemed a violation of Section 159 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which outlines the legal prerequisites for industrial action. This non-compliance further solidified the NLC’s stance on the illegality of the strike.
Given the GRNMA’s defiance and the escalating impact on healthcare delivery, the NLC took decisive action, declaring the strike illegal and ordering its immediate cessation. This declaration carries significant weight, as it reinforces the principle that essential services, such as healthcare, must be maintained even during labor disputes. The NLC’s intervention aims to protect the public’s right to access essential healthcare services and prevent further harm caused by the disruption.
The NLC’s directive extends beyond merely ending the strike; it also mandates the GRNMA to re-engage with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to address the outstanding issues concerning the 2024 Collective Agreement. This directive underlines the NLC’s commitment to facilitating a constructive dialogue between the parties involved and finding a mutually acceptable solution to the underlying dispute. The Commission has set a deadline of June 25, 2025, for the GRNMA to report back on the progress of negotiations, demonstrating its proactive approach in resolving the matter.
This situation underscores the complex dynamics between labor rights and essential services. While workers have the right to advocate for their interests and engage in industrial action, the disruption of essential services like healthcare carries serious consequences. The NLC’s intervention aims to strike a balance between these competing interests, upholding the law while also promoting dialogue and negotiation to address the legitimate concerns of healthcare workers. The Commission’s emphasis on compliance with the law and its call for continued engagement between the parties involved highlight the importance of finding sustainable solutions that protect both the rights of workers and the well-being of the public.
