The Malta Union for Midwives and Nurses said it is not prepared to prolong negotiations on a new sectoral agreement.

The MUMN council sent a notice to the Health Department for negotiations to start on a new agreement. Although the notice was sent more than 15 days ago, until now the union did not receive a date to kick off these negotiations even though the last agreement was signed more than four years ago, it said in a statement this morning.

"Nurses and midwives were waiting anxiously for this new sectoral agreement for various reasons mostly as it addresses shortage of nurses, professional development, salary adjustment and health and safety issues."

On its first negotiating day, the union made it clear it expects that a schedule of weekly meetings needs to be agreed on a framework of maximum three months.

"MUMN council has full support from the nurses and midwives who are constantly working in stressful and less favourable environment because of the shortage and the ever-increasing demands."