Care workers' action 'a success'

The Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) yesterday described the directives it issued to care workers at government homes for the elderly as an absolute success.

Starting on Tuesday, care workers at St Vincent de Paul residence were directed not to help in the washing of elderly people, while those working at all homes for the elderly were asked not do any work outside the home.

The union is insisting that the care workers at these homes be paid an allowance, just as other employees working with the elderly.

The Director of Health, Ray Busuttil, said the impact of the industrial action, especially that ordering care workers not to wash patients, varied from one ward to another, depending on the number of care workers assigned to certain wards.

However, he stressed that the work was being done, although it was taking longer than expected. Some patients were being washed in the afternoon instead of in the morning.

Dr Busuttil said every effort was being made to rectify the situation. He pointed out that the dispute was not between the UHM and the Health Department but between the union and the Office of the Prime Minister.

UHM section secretary John Briffa yesterday said the union was looking into claims that employees at homes for the elderly were being given work above their grade.