The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses is once again threatening industrial action, starting on Monday, unless the bed shortage in the day surgery unit is seen to quickly. The Health Ministry has replied that, rather than issuing threats, the MUMN should come up with proposals that could help resolve the problem.
Once again, the MUMN is adopting a militant approach that will not help find a solution. Over the past years, the MUMN has resorted to taking industrial action on several occasions, at times even causing undue hardships to patients and, in one instant, even pushing the Health Ministry to issue a statement saying that the lives of patients were being endangered.
It seems that the MUMN tries to find the least possible excuse to enter into an industrial dispute. While, to be fair, it must be said that there are shortcomings at the hospital and in the health services that need to be addressed, on the other hand drastic action does little to iron things out.
It is better, as the ministry pointed out, for the two sides to sit round the same table and discuss ways that could possibly lead to an improved administration of the health services. By going on strike or taking industrial action, such situations will not be resolved.
It must also be pointed out that, often, MUMN action coincides with instances when the federation it forms part of, the Forum Unions Maltin, clamours for a place on the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development. It’s as if the MUMN wants to make its voice heard just to make its presence felt and show its strength.
Last Wednesday, Forum held a press conference to once again complain that an MCESD meeting was being held – and that Forum is still waiting for a positive answer to become a member. A day later, the MUMN issued a statement saying that it will resort to industrial action.
It’s not the first time that one of the two largest unions in Forum – the other is the Malta Union of Teachers – threatens or takes industrial action at a time when Forum is pushing for a seat at MCESD level.