Malta teasers

This week Malta?s House of Representatives approved the second reading of the Dockyard and Shipbuilding Yard (Restructuring) Act after much debate on who stays in employment and who goes.

Social Policy Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi defended the selection process claiming it had been agreed with the General Workers’ Union. Normal channels will be used if any shipyard worker felt that an injustice has been committed.

He said “we did not agree that management would mail explanations to each and every worker who had asked for an explanation of their assessment but that the aggrieved workers could take their case before the Ombudsman or before the Tribunal for the Investigation of Injustices.”

Dr. Gonzi said that he would not be surprised if mistakes were committed in the selection of the 900 workers, however, he rebutted claims of political discrimination. He said that the current reform was not easy, as it would bring about a cultural change and everyone should shoulder part of burden. The Shipyard workers need to work harder, the Industrial and Projects workers need to change their work practices and the Maltese people will continue subsidising the shipyards.