The UHM said that although the reform was spoken of 12 years ago, no discussions have taken place with the union, or any other unions, to reform the sector as a whole.

Saying that it believes government intends to impose the eventual reforms, the UHM noted that every so often, government calls for applications for new grade positions at St Luke’s Hospital and Mount Carmel. These application are part of the reform and yet there have been no meetings to discuss them, said the union.

Discussions leading to agreements regarding paramedics, health inspectors and chemists are taking too long, the union claimed.

It concluded by saying that any imposition of a reform will only be detrimental to the health sector.