Workers at St Luke’s, Karen Grech and the Gozo General hospitals will keep their jobs if the planned privatisation falls through or if the hospitals cease to operate, the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin said.

In a statement, the UĦM said it had negotiated an incentive package for health sector workers who will form part of the public private partnership. The union met workers at the three hospitals to explain the incentives it had negotiated on their behalf.

Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi and Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne were also present.The union said workers would remain government employees, even if they were promoted by the private investors.

The right to keep their wages and have them improved, and the right to a flexibility bonus were also successfully negotiated

The right to keep their wages and have them improved, and the right to a flexibility bonus were also successfully negotiated.

The conditions of work will not worsen and cash bonuses can also be paid by the management in relation to performance, responsibility and multitasking.

Serious breaches of discipline will continue to be dealt with by the Public Service Commission.

Dr Mizzi and Mr Fearne both responded positively to a request for a memorandum of understanding regarding all that was agreed upon between government and the union to ensure that this was respected.