The Government, Public Entities and Health Section of the General Workers’ Union (GWU) welcomes the decision by the Central Government Administration to extend the right to a snack to a broader range of contractor workers in the health and care sectors of the Public Service. This new measure, effective from April 1, 2026, marks a significant step toward fairer treatment and improved welfare for workers who routinely work long and demanding shifts.
Under this updated arrangement, the right to a snack—which was previously reserved for workers who worked more than ten hours in designated areas—will now also apply to public officials and contractual employees scheduled for shifts longer than eight hours in hospitals, Primary Health Care facilities, and Active Aging services.
This adjustment addresses long-standing concerns raised by both workers and the GWU regarding unequal access to basic support during extended shifts. The GWU has been advocating for equitable treatment for all categories of workers performing similar duties, and this development represents tangible progress in that direction.
The Central Administration has confirmed that this entitlement is a management concession and cannot be converted into a monetary allowance, either now or in the future. The GWU will continue to monitor the implementation of this provision to ensure that it is consistently delivered and that no worker is disadvantaged due to logistical or operational challenges.
The GWU remains committed to protecting the rights and well-being of all member workers within the health and care sector and will continue to engage with the relevant authorities to ensure that working conditions uphold fairness, dignity, and respect.
