Hospital workers jobless

Wards’ maids, hospital and mortuary attendants who have been getting employment through the Public Service Commission (PSC) for the past year should have been working with the Regional Health Authorities since their positions became redundant with the Public Service since December 31, 1996. A slip up at the hospital or Ministry level has resulted in these workers continuing to receive employment in the Public Service. Classified as temporary Public Servants, the wards’ maids and attendants provide “leave relief” at hospitals. Last week, a group of them complained about job losses after finding out they can no longer get letters of continuation of service from the Public Service Commission. They were advised that the RHAs were responsible for hiring them.

The move caught many by surprise because they have been working regularly for the past three or more years. However, an official of the Health Ministry said the workers should not have been receiving letters of continuation. The Ministry and Public Services Association (the union representing PS health workers) reached an agreement in 1996 that all temporary (health specific) posts will not go to the PSC for the period of their employment to be extended. Employment was guaranteed with the RHAs. He said persons may have “slipped” through because hospital or Ministry officials did not stick to the agreement. However, this month, the Ministry wrote to the PSC stating that it will no longer request temporary positions. The RHAs are responsible for filling all vacancies. The Health Ministry has directed the RHAs to give “first preference” for any employment opportunity to the workers previously employed through the PSC.