Government to look into care workers’ employment conditions

Labour spokesperson for health Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca last week said that healthcare workers employed by a government contractor are not paid for the hours worked, denied sick or injury leave and fired if they attempt to join a union.

Following Labour’s claim, government has now set up a board of inquiry to look into the employment conditions of care workers  and to “assure that all necessary steps are taken if irregularities are found”.

The board will headed by Joe Scicluna and will have as its members Dr Frank Pullicino and Dr Cynthia Scerri Debono.

“The board can summon those who might have any information on the allegations being made, sworn evidence and collect all necessary documents,” government said in a statement.

Government went on to say that the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) will also look into the conditions, “notwithstanding that it has not received any formal complaints on behalf of the workers on the issue.”

“[We] reiterate that under no circumstances are exploitation and abuse of workers tolerated,” government said.