Paul Pace, the fiery leader of the MUMN announced his resignation today after nine years at the helm. He has also resigned from the Forum group of trade unions. His resignation followed a poor showing in the union's election (see below.)
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Chris Fearne, congratulated the new president, Maria Cutajar.
"Looking forward to working together to continue giving an excellent health service," Mr Fearne wrote
The following is Mr Pace's resignation letter verbatim:
"To all
Although as elected board members of MUMN, we still have to meet to elect the President of MUMN, the Times of Malta has already printed my number of votes and already pointed out the probably next president of MUMN. This is the very first time votes have been given to journalists and even providing an outcome of a meeting still to be held. ....so I am taking also the “source” to be better informed than I am.
I would like to thank all nurses and midwives and other members of MUMN for your continuous support but although elected, it is clear that I have lost the support from the members of the council since placing in the 8th place from those elected.
I always worked in the interest of the members, always helping whoever needed the service of MUMN, sometimes quite passionately and literally round the clock. I am proud what the union achieved under my presidency with the two sectoral collective agreements signed besides the Civil Service agreement.
I can assure you that I never hided behind no one and always tried my best when members use to bombarded my phone on a daily basis even late at night.
It was a great honour representing you for these last eight years and this is my last email since I am resigning from the council even as a board member.
I am acknowledging this email as my resignation and hope the all members the best of luck.
Good bye to all."
POOR SHOWING IN ELECTION
Times of Malta reported today that Mr Pace may lose his post after placing eighth in an election for the council’s 10 members.
Mr Pace obtained about 800 votes, with sources saying the poor showing was expected to make it harder for him to retain the top post when the new council elects its officials today. Mr Pace confirmed his placing when contacted yesterday but insisted it did not represent a vote of no confidence.
“I actually increased my vote tally from four years ago but there were others who got more than me,” he said, pointing out that he had not placed first last time either.
Mr Pace said nurses were free to vote as they pleased, insisting he was not one to cling to his seat.
The election took place over the past two weeks and about 1,700 members of the Malta Union of Nurses and Midwives voted.
Nurses do not directly elect union officials, such as the president and general secretary. These are elected by the council.
Incumbent general secretary Colin Galea topped the list with about 1,400 votes, followed by Maria Cutajar with about 1,200 votes.
CUTAJAR APPOINTED PRESIDENT
The MUMN said in a statement that Maria Cutajar had been appointed president. Colin Galea is general secretary, Noel Camilleri, vice-president and George Saliba finance secretary.
FORUM TO DISCUSS RESIGNATION
Informed sources said the Forum group of trade unions has not accepted Mr Pace's resignation and is set to discuss it.