At first it could have been interpreted as an unfortunate comment. But when it was made a second time it stood out as a sign that not everyone in this society of ours is ready to show solidarity.

We’re talking about the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses which, on two separate occasions, showed a kind of insensitivity that is hard to explain in the current circumstances.

In its first comments, the MUMN said that it felt that the government seemed to be showing more concern with the people of Libya, rather than with Gozitans. It then expressed its concern that people who were injured in Libya were brought over to Malta for treatment, saying this was adding to the burdens at Mater Dei Hospital.

One expects better from a union of nurses, a profession that is there to help people who need medical treatment. It is a real pity that the MUMN has given itself such a bad name through such unwarranted remarks and through them the trade union sector as a whole.

It must be remembered that it was this same union that a year or so ago had issued directives that could have put people’s lives in danger, and were as such condemned by the Health Ministry and all those with their heart in its place.

Considering the investment that has been made in the health sector, both in Malta and in Gozo, the MUMN’s comments about Libyans getting better treatment are shameful and shameless. True, not everything is in perfect order, and the MUMN is correct to point out certain problems that still need to be addressed, but such a comment – coming from an established trade union – shows lack of tact.

It can also be seen as a “political” comment, one through which the MUMN is definitely going beyond its remit – which is that of protecting the interests of the workers it represents.

The second comment was even worse, as the MUMN said bluntly that the public health sector was not in a position to accept injured people from Libya. Again, it was a “political” comment, as the union tried to interfere in the government’s relations with a foreign country. And, again, the MUMN could have chosen other ways how to put forward its claims for a better service.

Added to this, the union was also showing a lack of solidarity with people in need, people who have been injured in the ongoing conflict in Libya. While the Maltese government is doing its best to give assistance to people who were injured in Libya, and was accepting a plea made by the National Transitional Council of Libya, all the MUMN sought was its own interests.

We are sure that nurses are taking care of the people who were brought over to Malta from Libya with the same dedication and commitment with which they do their jobs every single day, with all the people who come under their care, be they Maltese or foreign.

It is a real pity that the nurses’ union does not show the same level of solidarity.