*UPDATE ON WELFARE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT THE MELPWU NATIONAL SECRETARIAT IN ACCRA* Dear Comrades, We are pleased to provide an update on a meeting held by the Welfare Committee established by the National Executive Council of MELPWU. This committee was tasked with reviewing feedback from members in the recent survey conducted by the Union, aimed at developing a comprehensive national welfare scheme to holistically address the welfare needs of all members. During the meeting, the committee conducted a thorough review of the concerns raised and focused on providing practical, sustainable solutions to address the challenges highlighted in the survey. Key areas discussed included: 1. *Improving Member Benefits:* Exploring ways to restructure and implement an impartial welfare scheme that benefits, protects, and supports all members regardless of the income levels of the individual. 2. ⁠*Support Systems:* Developing strategies to provide timely and effective support systems for members, especially during times of bereavement, natural disasters, housing challenges, retirement, financial aid, and critical or complicated health conditions. 3. ⁠*Inclusivity:* Providing tailored policies considered to address the challenges and concerns of our professionals in both the public and private sector, academia, and quasi-government institutions and retirees, ensuring their active involvement and equitable benefits under the MELPWU Welfare Scheme. 4. ⁠*Communication Channels:* Strengthening the feedback loop to ensure members’ voices are consistently heard and acted upon promptly. Leadership remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritizing the well-being of all members. We are working diligently to ensure the outcomes of these meetings translate into meaningful actions that positively impact everyone. We deeply appreciate your candid feedback and assure you that your concerns are being addressed with the urgency they deserve. Further updates on the progress of the committee’s work will be communicated in due course. Thank you for your constant support. Laboratory regards, *DR. CEPHAS KOFI AKORTOR* General Secretary, MELPWU Tuesday, 28th January 2025