Nurses issue industrial action warning

The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses has declared an industrial dispute at Zammit Clapp Hospital and warned the government it will issue directives for industrial action by all nurses from April 21.

The union said the dispute was over the failure of the Treasury to grant an increase to the nursing premium in terms of an agreement reached with the Health Department.

Nurses and midwives are this year due to receive an increase of €582.34 (Lm250) on their nursing premium. The first payment was issued in February but the union said it had been informed that the second, due this month would not be issued.

The MUMN said it could not accept that what was laid down in the agreement was not given to its members because of bureaucracy or antiquated systems.

The union also complained of staff shortages and said another pending issue was over the meals given to nurses at Mater Dei Hospital, about which the union will declare its position shortly.