The Union Haddiema Maghqudin has suspended all industrial action by care workers at St Vincent de Paul and other homes for the elderly, following correspondence with the Health Division.

The care workers at St Vincent de Paul had been directed not to help in the changing of elderly patients' nappies from Monday - a directive that was harshly criticised by various parties.

The dispute between the UHM and the government started earlier this month because, according to UHM section secretary John Briffa, the union had long been insisting that the care workers should be paid an allowance in the same way as other employees, who worked with the elderly, because of the risks involved in this type of work.

The action had come hot on the heels of orders to the care workers not to help in the washing of elderly people and was described by the Director of Health, Ray Busuttil, as a "blow below the belt" for patients since it could lead to bedsores.

The care workers at all government homes for the elderly, who were also following industrial action, were also directed not to do any work outside the homes and not to distribute pills.

The decision to suspend the action was taken by the union "out of good will" after it received an answer to its letter from the Health Division saying that it was "ready to discuss every proposal on the part of the union in discussions on the health sector reform".

The UHM said it would continue with its work in favour of care workers and insist on putting an end to the discrimination between workers.

There are some 60 care workers employed at the government's homes for the elderly.