Industrial action at St Vincent de Paule suspended after agreement reached

Trade unions have suspended industrial action at St Vincent de Paule after reaching an agreement with the government over working conditions at the elderly home.

The General Workers’ Union and the Union Haddiema Maghqudin had ordered support staff at St Vincent de Paule not to wash more than five elderly patients each everyday in protest at the shortage of nurses at the home. The unions had warned that this shortage had resulted in supporting staff carrying out nurses’ duties.  

In a statement, parliamentary secretary for the elderly Justyne Caruana said that the two unions had suspended their industrial action, following lengthy negotiations.

“The parties reached an agreement that ensured that support staff will carry out the same level of work that they had before industrial action was ordered,” she said. “The parties agreed to follow and observe the new measures that have come into play, that will ensure that patients receive a high quality of service and that workers’ rights are safeguarded.”