Trade union condemns decision to privatise Malta Shipyards

Abstract

The General Workers’ Union criticised the government for announcing the privatisation of Malta Shipyards without prior consultation or information. While the trade union’s latest proposals to save the organisation were not accepted, the government intends to consult the union on specific issues, such as early retirement schemes, which seek to reduce the organisation’s workforce. On 18 June 2008, Malta’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Gonzi, announced that the state-owned Malta Shipyards Ltd, currently employing around 1,700 workers, would be privatised. The General Workers’ Union (GWU), which recognises the shipyards as its place of origin and which represents the majority of the existing workforce, voiced its concern over this announcement. The trade union claimed that it had recently put forward a report outlining its suggestions for the future of the organisation. Against this background, GWU condemned the government for deciding unilaterally to privatise the company without consulting the union or informing the workers. The trade union argued that the government’s move was in breach of Directive 2002/14/EC establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees.