The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses said today that it would hold a rally for its members on November 18 and would issue new directives for industrial action unless the government acted to recruit more nurses.

The MUMN said that in its current dispute with the government it was not seeking an increase in salaries. But it was insisting that the government should engage all nurses at its disposal and also make the nursing course more attractive.

The union accused the government of not honouring a commitment made last year to increase the number of nurses. It said nurses who had left the job and wanted to return were finding doors closed.

Newly recruited nurses were not being engaged on casual basis, as had been the norm, and others who wanted to work beyond their retirement were also being disappointed.

The union said pressure of work was taking its toll on the nurses, both at Mater Dei and Gozo general hospital, and the situation could not be tolerated much longer.

The rally will be held at the Catholic Institute.

The MUMN has so far ordered nurses not to perform non-nursing duties.