The Health Service Workers Union (HSWU) of the Ghana TUC has issued a one week ultimatum to the Ministries of Health, Finance and Economic Planning and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to pay the approved "Revised Grading" for its members and other members of the Health Workers' Group which took effect from January 1, 2008.

In a statement the union says its National Executive Council will meet to decide on the next action if they ultimatum is ignored.

The HSWU is disappointed that a directive dated July 14, 2008 by the Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei to the Controller and Accountant-General to effect payment has not been honoured till date.

"In view of the undue delay by government to solve this problem, the leadership of the HSWU has been under extreme pressure by members for the early payment of their duly negotiated and approved revised salaries to avoid any unforeseen repercussions to the detriment of the general public."

The statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Abu D. Kuntulo stated, "The union vehemently deplored the manner the government had handled the payment of these approved revised salaries to the health sector workers, whose conditions of service are dealt with as 'essential Services' as classified under sections 162 - 164 of the Labour Act 651".

The payment of arrears was to be effected in two installment, namely, January -March to be paid last August 2008, and April - June arrears to be paid in last September 2008.

According to the statement, HSWU was compelled to lodge a complaint to the National Labour Commission (NLC) in November 19, 2008 to help expedite action.

At this, it said the NLC wrote to the Health and Finance Ministries to demand immediate response.