By early April, the union had already informed the management of the steps it would take if the arbitration process had not been initiated by the end of the month.

“The delays are hampering the start of talks over the collective agreement which expired in December 2001,” said the MUMN, which, it added, is creating a lacuna between the nurses at Zammit Clapp and those in the public sector.

As a sign of protest, the union will not take part in talks with management until the arbitration has begun. The MUMN also warned that it is reserving the right to order industrial action as prescribed by law, without prior warning.