Updated: UHM insists 'bridging' agreement should be honoured

(Adds government statement)

The Union Haddiema Maghqudin has warned the government it would take action unless an agreement reached in October 2007 for certain health workers to be able to return to the civil service was honoured.

The union said that the agreement, which covered paramedics, health inspectors, ECG and pharmacy technicians, among others, provided for these to have the number of years they would have worked within the civil service in the past recognised for salary and progression purposes. This was known as 'bridging'.

It said it wrote to the health division and the ministry about this matter in March but did not receive a reply.

The salary of the workers concerned, the union said, was being affected and should be adjusted immediately. They should also be given the backdated difference they were due in payment.

The Social Policy Ministry said in a statement that the government was honouring the bridging agreement.

It asked the union to substantiate its allegations so that they would be verified and action would be taken if necessary.