STQARRIJA MILL-MINISTERU TA’ L-INTERN

Ambulance Drivers, members of the Union Haddiema Maghqudin, are on partial industrial action following refusal by the Government to accept claims from the Union for the upgrading in salary, or the grant of an allowance, to these employees. It is being claimed that the upgrading has become necessary following a short Basic First Aid Course which these drivers have being asked to attend, and because of the special nature of an Ambulance Driver's duties.

The special nature of duties was acknowledged as far back as 1991, when Ambulance Drivers were assimilated into a salary scale bracket higher than that of the Motor Transport Drivers. Health Authorities are of the opinion that attendance at a three-day First Aid Course is an integral part of "in-service training" of holders of such posts. This is essential if the quality of care given to patients is to be improved and should therefore not attract any additional remuneration.

Ambulance Drivers are being asked by their Union to refrain from handling stretchers and loading patients on to, and off ambulances; this being an integral part of the duties of an Ambulance Driver. Health Authorities, in an effort to maintain the smooth running of services, are obliged to send an additional employee with every ambulance trip to load and unload patients. This is costing the Health Authorities up to an additional Lm400 daily in overtime.

Current industrial legislation does not permit the sanctioning of employees on partial industrial action or a relative reduction in salary.