Source: Newsbook,September 30, 2019.

The Malta Union for Midwives and Nurses has submitted an injunction to the courts, to stop the Government from negotiating a new sectoral agreement with UHM.

The government’s decision to place physiotherapists under union representation of their choosing, is against the values of the Maltese constitution and Labour Directives, MUMN has said

The Malta Union For Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) were last week placed under the union representation of UHM and Allied Health Care Professionals, by the government.

They say that this, ‘is totally unacceptable for MUMN as it enjoys today 60% membership of all the physiotherapist employed within the public service.’

‘The Government’s decision goes against the freedom of association and representation which is clearly pointed out in the Constitution of Malta and ILO directives,’ MUMN adds.

They go to explain that MUMN’s physiotherapist members will not be accept the move adding that, ‘just three years ago and is now performing a U-Turn against all principles of human rights.’

For this reason, MUMN has submitted ‘a mandate of injunction to stop the Government from negotiating a new sectoral agreement with UHM,’ with the court of Justice.

Bad food, bad attitudes

MUMN’s comments following months of tensions between the union and the government over the working conditions and treatment of medical staff.

Last week, the union issued an industrial dispute with Mater Dei Hospital (MDH)management over the poor quality and the poor presentation of the staff meals distributed by Corinthia Group in the hospital.

In a statement, MUMN stated that it will also be registering the dispute in the light that the management office is not providing meal allowance to staff members who have special dietary requirements, as “they are well aware that Corinthia Caterers fall short of providing any special meals for such staff.”

The Union added that several members of MUMN lamented on the lack of manners and foul attitude of the staff of the Corinthia Group who are distributing the staff meals in MDH.

It insisted that it is also not acceptable that those nurses who are working overtime are penalised by not being entitled for any food allowance let alone staff meals. This issue has been ongoing for several months.

Industrial dispute against Steward Health Care

MUMN says that it is also registering an industrial dispute with Steward Health Care across its Health, Elderly Sector and Steward Health Care.

They explain that this has been issued in connection with the ‘over delay of refurbishment & expansion  in the Physiotherapy Department within the old St. Luke’s Hospital  within Karen Grech Hospital. Such directives will only be withdrawn once the refurbishment has initiated and progressed.’