WSC investigations

Water Services Corporation chairman Michael Falzon yesterday said the General Workers' Union had no right to become involved in investigations into the "serious shortcomings" by some corporation employees.

In a letter to GWU section secretary Josephine Attard Sultana, which was relayed to the press, Mr Falzon said the union could only intervene should employees who are being accused of something resort to it for help.

The union and the corporation have been in dispute for over two months over the collective agreement which expired in December 2000, and employees are following industrial action directives.

Last week, the GWU asked the corporation to supply it with information about allegations made by Mr Falzon that a number of workers were acting beyond the union's directives.

Mr Falzon said the WSC has already given a verbal warning to employees of two shifts because of their 'carelessness'.

Furthermore, a number of employees were asked to make a written declaration on what appeared to be a shortcoming from their end.