Health professionals employed by Steward Healthcare should be absorbed by the government, UHM said on Wednesday, adding that these workers have conditions inferior to those enjoyed by public service workers.

In a statement, UHM Voice of the Workers said Steward Healthcare workers carry out the same duties as their public service counterparts, see the same patients and wear the same uniforms.

But the private healthcare company is insisting that it is not bound to pay the same salaries and give its employees the same conditions. This is a clear abuse that the government is allowing to take place, the union said. “In other words, this is another form of precarious work created by the government.”

The union said it has been against this PublicPrivatePartnership (PPP) from day one. In fact, it is the only union that has not signed the agreement with the agreement and the healthcare company, because the agreement has remained hidden.

It said that other unions who had signed the agreement were now also showing concern. These include the Medical Association of Malta.

The union, which said it represents the majority of Steward Healthcare works, said these employees should immediately be absorbed by the government.

If the government fails to do this, the union will take all necessary action.