GWU issues directives to contractors’ staff at Mater Dei

The General Workers’ Union today issued a directive to contractor’s employees at the Mater Dei Hospital. The directive was issued due to the hospital authority’s failure to recognise equal work for equal pay principles for Mater Dei workers employed by a third party contractor.

Although formally employed by a contractor, these workers are considered to form part of the Hospital’s resources, meaning that they mostly fall under the direction and control of hospital authorities.

The legal situation in Malta already provides for equal pay when the same work is carried out under the same employer. This also applies when  temporary agency work is involved.

The Mater Dei employees are employed on a long term basis by a contractor.

Despite the health authorities in Malta having accepted the GWU’s request to ensure equal work for equal pay, almost a year has gone by since the commitment was made and yet no action has been taken. Further to this, on 3 January the GWU was informed that the hospital authorities would not be honouring their commitment.

The Union is appealing to the government to intervene. The directive has been tailored in order not to cause disruption to patients, and disturbance to visitors will be minimised. The government’s failure to act is affecting the livelihood of 300 employees and their families according to the GWU.