The government was yesterday accused of anti-democratic behaviour over the representation of social workers.

The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses claimed the majority of social workers had switched to it from another union and it had written to the authorities asking for sole recognition.

However, the government went ahead with negotiations over a new collective agreement with the other union, which is the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin.

“MUMN is not prepared to accept the situation as it currently enjoys the support of the absolute majority of social workers,” it said.

The MUMN said it was keeping its options open and might request the reopening of negotiations.

Talks with a union that did not represent the workers “did not make sense,” and social workers were up in arms, it added.

MUMN general secretary Colin Galea said the “government had slammed the door” on it, adding a meeting would be called for members to decide on what course of action to take.