MUMN warns of new industrial action over staff shortage dispute
A dispute regarding staff shortage and vacancies in the health sector is the latest source of disagreement between the government and the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) that may lead to industrial action in the coming weeks. MUMN president Paul Pace issued this warning yesterday at a news conference as part of the union’s commitment to make a promotional campaign to attract more students to the nursing profession. Ironically what was intended to be a promotional exercise ended in a 45 minute rant about the alleged numerous shortcomings in the nursing profession, which according to the MUMN are not being addressed by the government. In a statement following the news conference the Ministry of Health welcomed the union’s efforts to attract more people to the nursing. profession and described its position as congruent to the government’s vision for the health sector. Addressing the media in front of an MUMN billboard erected close to the Libyan Embassy in Attard, Mr Pace said that this promotional campaign on various media is being financed by the government as stipulated in the 2007 collective agreement, which is in the process of being renewed. According to MUMN secretary general Colin Galea these funds amount to about €58,000 from which €20,000 are specifically dedicated to this campaign.(independent.com.mt) There is a lack of posts and staff shortages reflected a problem.
Nobody seriously injured in another collapse at Seabank Hotel
Workers at the Seabank Hotel in Gћadira Bay in Mellieћa, which is undergoing major redevelopment, yesterday afternoon witnessed another collapse, following the death of a Latvian worker on 6 March, when part of the structure housing the night club gave way. Fortunately, this time the accident was relatively minor and according to the hotel management no serious injuries were sustained. According to one source who was contacted by The Malta Independent, part of a brick wall gave way, taking down with it a thin concrete structure which is usually laid in preparation for the precast slabs. Asked what triggered the collapse, the source blamed the strong wind and shrugged off suggestions that it was hit by a crane as it had been reported earlier on The Times Online which quoted the CEO of the Seabank Arthur Gauci. Contacted by this newspaper the Police confirmed that no medical assistance was requested when they went onsite to investigate the case.(independent.com.mt) Why are there so many crashes these days?
Draft speed policy may lead to higher speed limits on arterial roads
peed limits may be set to rise on arterial road in view of a proposed new policy by Transport Malta. The consultation document entitled 'Speed management on Maltese Road - Policy and Technical Guidance Manual' has been published on the authority's website. In terms of the draft, Transport Malta is proposing varied speed limits depending on the vehicle and type of road. Vehicles under 3.5 tonnes would have a maximum speed limit of 50 kilometres per hour in built-up areas and 80 km per hour outside built up areas. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes would have a speed limit of 40km/h in built-up areas and 60km/h outside, same as vehicles towing caravans and trailers. There will be no speed limit for emergency vehicles and vehicles on priority duty. The definition of a “built-up area” shall be decided on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the number of dwellings with direct access to the road, type and function of road and other safety considerations. Built-up areas would be appropriately signposted on all entry points. The draft policy says that horse-drawn vehicles and heavy vehicles which have design speeds of less than 30 km/hr will be prohibited from using arterial roads. Certain industrial, plant or agricultural vehicles such as Fork lift trucks and JCBs would be similarly banned on arterial and distributor roads. The policy is proposing better enforcement of the use of the overtaking lane on certain dual carriageway roads.(timesofmalta.com) Speed limit on highways would not be more wrong.
A dispute regarding staff shortage and vacancies in the health sector is the latest source of disagreement between the government and the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) that may lead to industrial action in the coming weeks. MUMN president Paul Pace issued this warning yesterday at a news conference as part of the union’s commitment to make a promotional campaign to attract more students to the nursing profession. Ironically what was intended to be a promotional exercise ended in a 45 minute rant about the alleged numerous shortcomings in the nursing profession, which according to the MUMN are not being addressed by the government. In a statement following the news conference the Ministry of Health welcomed the union’s efforts to attract more people to the nursing. profession and described its position as congruent to the government’s vision for the health sector. Addressing the media in front of an MUMN billboard erected close to the Libyan Embassy in Attard, Mr Pace said that this promotional campaign on various media is being financed by the government as stipulated in the 2007 collective agreement, which is in the process of being renewed. According to MUMN secretary general Colin Galea these funds amount to about €58,000 from which €20,000 are specifically dedicated to this campaign.(independent.com.mt) There is a lack of posts and staff shortages reflected a problem.
Nobody seriously injured in another collapse at Seabank Hotel
Workers at the Seabank Hotel in Gћadira Bay in Mellieћa, which is undergoing major redevelopment, yesterday afternoon witnessed another collapse, following the death of a Latvian worker on 6 March, when part of the structure housing the night club gave way. Fortunately, this time the accident was relatively minor and according to the hotel management no serious injuries were sustained. According to one source who was contacted by The Malta Independent, part of a brick wall gave way, taking down with it a thin concrete structure which is usually laid in preparation for the precast slabs. Asked what triggered the collapse, the source blamed the strong wind and shrugged off suggestions that it was hit by a crane as it had been reported earlier on The Times Online which quoted the CEO of the Seabank Arthur Gauci. Contacted by this newspaper the Police confirmed that no medical assistance was requested when they went onsite to investigate the case.(independent.com.mt) Why are there so many crashes these days?
Draft speed policy may lead to higher speed limits on arterial roads
peed limits may be set to rise on arterial road in view of a proposed new policy by Transport Malta. The consultation document entitled 'Speed management on Maltese Road - Policy and Technical Guidance Manual' has been published on the authority's website. In terms of the draft, Transport Malta is proposing varied speed limits depending on the vehicle and type of road. Vehicles under 3.5 tonnes would have a maximum speed limit of 50 kilometres per hour in built-up areas and 80 km per hour outside built up areas. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes would have a speed limit of 40km/h in built-up areas and 60km/h outside, same as vehicles towing caravans and trailers. There will be no speed limit for emergency vehicles and vehicles on priority duty. The definition of a “built-up area” shall be decided on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the number of dwellings with direct access to the road, type and function of road and other safety considerations. Built-up areas would be appropriately signposted on all entry points. The draft policy says that horse-drawn vehicles and heavy vehicles which have design speeds of less than 30 km/hr will be prohibited from using arterial roads. Certain industrial, plant or agricultural vehicles such as Fork lift trucks and JCBs would be similarly banned on arterial and distributor roads. The policy is proposing better enforcement of the use of the overtaking lane on certain dual carriageway roads.(timesofmalta.com) Speed limit on highways would not be more wrong.