The midwives’ union is threatening to register an industrial dispute if newly graduated midwives are not employed by next week.

The MUMN criticised the Health Department for leaving the midwifery department with inadequate staff numbers.

It claimed midwives were treated as second-class professionals, since newly graduated nurses were employed on temporary appointments while midwives were left to register for work.

Union correspondence with Health Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne has affirmed more midwives are urgently needed, it said.

“MUMN appeals to all those responsible to ensure that these midwives are recruited like their nursing counterparts.

“If these midwives are not employed by September 17, the MUMN will register an industrial dispute.”