Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses today accused the government of changing its mind on giving danger money to nurses as this is not a priority at the moment. Danger money is an extra payment for working under dangerous conditions.
In a statement, MUMN said that Health Minister Fearne was deflecting all requests for nurses to have their mind at rest while working with patients suffering from COVID-19. “MUMN has been informed by the Ministry of Health that Danger Money will not be granted, as at this time, the government is not considering it as a priority.”
MUMN stated that during previous meetings with Fearne, an agreed date was given as to when danger money would start to be given.
In addition to this, the government has used the General Workers Union to separate nurses. We have the Ministry of Health informing MUMN that it was withdrawing from an agreement on danger money, just as the GWU held a press conference to announce that some nurses had left the MUMN to join the GWU.
The MUMN condemns what it described as political manoeuvres of the Government during these critical moments when everyone is doing their best to ensure the safety of Coronavirus patients.
MUMN appealed to Fearne to revise the government’s position and its decision on danger money. “MUMN gives 48 hours to Fearne to reconsider his decision. MUMN is ready to meet with the government if it is necessary.”