Social welfare service employees will not step foot in schools, hospitals and police stations come Tuesday, as they escalate the industrial action pending an agreement over their pay.

Two weeks ago, UĦM Voice of the Workers ordered its members at the Foundation for Social Welfare Services to follow directives that included refusing to use means of communication, saying no progress had been registered in collective agreement talks.

The UĦM’s Isabelle Farrugia told the Times of Malta the union was informing members they should refuse to attend or participate in interventions at schools and the community, in case reviews and conferences, among others.

They should also refuse to intervene in hospitals, police stations and institutions unless the latter is not the official place of work of the employee. Union members should refrain from using their private vehicles for work purposes.

The union also instructed those working at Mater Dei Hospital, Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre, St Vincent de Paul Residence and Mount Carmel Hospital to refuse new referrals and applications of long-term care, among others.

However, in the case of residential services, the industrial action does not affect the basic needs and health of clients. Emergency and crisis services will not be affected, either.

The escalation will mean, among other things, that if people need intervention in their homes, FSWS professionals will not go there to investigate or provide their support.

Read: Industrial action by social welfare employees ‘risks getting worse’

Meanwhile, teachers who notice symptoms (which are not critical) in students that require the support of a therapist or a psychologist will not be able to request professional help.

The FSWS embraces care agencies Appoġġ and Sedqa, and the majority of its 500 employees, including social workers, psychologists, family therapists, counsellors, youth workers and clerks, are UĦM members.

As the industrial action entered into its 10th day, the Church’s Commission for Children’s Homes expressed concern to this newspaper about the effect it was having on children.

“We thank the FSWS social workers who work tirelessly for our clients and we appeal to the authorities and the union to find a solution as soon as possible in the best interests of children who reside in our homes,” the director, Andrew Azzopardi, said.

Read: Social workers press call for pay raise after government deal with teachers

Other concerned service users noted they appreciated the pressure social workers were under.

They provided services to a variety of people: “from children to adults, we listen to them on the phone, accompany them to court and meet them at police stations, correctional facilities and hospitals,” a spokeswoman for the Maltese Association of Social Workers told the Times of Malta.

“We also meet our service users at the offices or visit them in their homes. The nature of the work also varies: we protect minors, guide people regarding social services and advocate for the voiceless.”

Social workers, she added, often felt frustrated they could not do more to help their clients because of a lack of resources, time or services.

They were hoping for better recognition of the profession through better pay and continuous training, which would be beneficial for clients, about whom they had worried over the past two weeks.

Social workers have shared a message on Facebook, saying: “Can someone please explain how it is possible for social workers to be on their tenth day of strike with little or no acknowledgement whatsoever?

“I understand the profession does not generate profit for society but it does protect the vulnerable, it does protect the abused, and it does provide help and support to those who need them.”

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