UHM calls Health Inspectors to take industrial action

The Health Services Section of Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) ordered industrial action to be taken by Health Inspectors of the Health department due to negotiation meetings being turned down to discuss the dangerous condition of their offices and their working conditions.

The UHM Health Services section had listed a number of serious problems, including structural problems found in the inspectors workplace. Problems included the lack of health and safety protection with expired fire extinguishers, lack of cleaning services and inadequate hygiene solutions. Structural problems listed included rusty ceiling beams, leaking walls and corroded ceiling slabs under the workers.

These issues were made apparent following inspections carried out by the same section with the assistance of the UHM healthy and security officer. The health services section brought a report forward on these shortcomings, which was discussed with the management last August after insistence.

Despite all this, the UHM said, "no measures were taken to mend the situation to date. The UHM health services section sent new proposals of an agreement for the health inspectors in July, but the section has not yet received any form of acknowledgement of receipt".

As a result, the Health Services Unit will direct industrial actions to take effect on Monday 10 October, to safeguard health, safety and working conditions for health inspectors