Government care workers employed on abusive conditions – PL

During a press conference on Thursday, Labour spokesperson for health Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said that the contractor, Support Services Ltd (owned by Gejtu and Philip Bonnici), provides care workers to government that work in San Vincenz, and Mater Dei.

She added that the same contractor has also recently secured a contract to supply care workers in Karen Grech Hospital.

The allegations follow in the wake of similar warnings of abusive government employment practices by local unions, which repeatedly lambasted government over the past months for employing civil servants as “self-employed”.

This approach denies workers so employed from the basic rights as normal workers such as sick leave, maternity leave, and days off. The government has steadfastly claimed that it is contractors that are hiring these workers, and that it investigates all contracts

“The government knows of his abuse, but prefers to hide and avoid addressing the issue,” Coleiro Preca said. She pointed out how their government-employed equivalent, defined as ‘nursing aides’, benefit from far better conditions and are paid considerably more.

She said that these care workers, “numbering in a few hundred”, are being paid €3.80 per hour on normal days, and €7.45 per hour on feasts and Sundays. Despite being considered as full or part-timers, they are not entitled to sick leave or injury leave, and have only 12 days of leave which they must take in two-day monthly ‘portions.

She also said that when the care workers attempted to join a union, those among them who were encouraging the workers to unionise themselves were singled out and fired.

“This is symptomatic of a sector rife with abuse,” she said. “This is tantamount to slavery and institutionalised abuse.”

She also slammed statements by parliamentary secretary Chris Said earlier this week, who said that the Industrial Relations Department investigates all reports made by workers.

“When workers make reports to the authorities, they are victimised are fired,” she said. “The Industrial Relations Department is there to protect the interests of workers, especially those who are not part of unions. Is it proactive in investigating abuse?” she questioned, adding that government is also failing in its duty in providing the department with the necessary resources.

“I challenge Minister Joe Cassar, who is politically responsible, for taking the initiative and not only do something, but to tell us what he did to address the issue,” Coleiro Preca said.

“Otherwise, it will be simply a case of government protecting the interests of an inner circle of influence which is indicative of far bigger problems.”

Labour spokesperson for health Michael Farrugia also called on the government to say whether the Bonnici Brothers had ever been previously found guilty of offences by the labour office.