The General Workers’ Union yesterday ordered industrial action for cleaners at the St Vincent de Paule residence for the elderly after a union statement claimed the health authorities ignored the union’s request to find a solution to understaffing.

The union also complained that the discussions on the new cleaning policy, on which there was an agreement in principle, were taking too long. The union said these workers were constantly being asked to do more because of the lack of staff.

The directives were issued for all cleaning staff including hospital auxiliaries, general hands, charwomen and health assistants, irrespective of their grade.

The union urged the health authorities to continue discussions both on the lack of staff and also on the introduction of the new cleaning policy.