Unite the Union today announced that they had secured a deal with the Government that will see health professionals working for the Elderly Residential Services of the Care Agency transferred to the Gibraltar Health Authority under new working conditions and pay scales. This move will, in effect, restore the parity that had existed until 2009 between workers of both authorities.

The parity agreement, which was a Government commitment, ensures that workers will now be receiving the same pay for what they argue is the same work. Workers will also receive backdated wages.

The workers affected by the changes will be Registered General Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Nursing Auxiliaries, Care Workers and Physiotherapists employed at Mount Alvernia, the Jewish Home, and Calpe and John Cochrane Wards. It does not cover other employees of the Care Agency.

Although the Care Agency will still manage these employees, in practice it means that nurses and other support staff will be available to be transferred to work in other GHA departments. The proposal also includes the creation of a new Elderly Care Department within the GHA.

At a conference held in Mount Alvernia, Convenor Frederick Martin said he was very pleased with the result which was the outcome of “quiet diplomacy” and lengthy discussions with the Minister for Social Services Samantha Sacramento and union representatives.

Michael Netto, from Unite, said he fully supported the proposal and thanked all members for their hard work and patience. He added that the Union’s position had always been strong because these health professionals were only demanding something which, prior to 2009, they had enjoyed by right.

Victor Ochello, Unite’s Regional Officer, urged all concerned members to vote in favour of the proposal this coming Monday.