Gonzi objects to Zarb remarks on shipyards task force

Social Policy Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday took exception to complaints by GWU secretary general Tony Zarb that the shipyards task force had not met for months.

Mr Zarb made his remarks at the bi-annual conference of the union's 'yard workers section on Wednesday. Mr Zarb said the union was attending the task force meetings under certain conditions, among which was its insistence that discussions on the collective agreement continued.

Dr Gonzi said the task force held its last meeting at the end of February, when it was meant to be given a presentation of ideas on the change of use of Dock No. 1.

"Unfortunately, the presentation was not made because of technical problems. The country was then engulfed in the referendum and the election campaigns, and the task force did not meet.

"But last week, when the prime minister met constituted bodies, I personally told Mr Zarb I was ready to convene a meeting of the task force next week. He said he could not make it as he would be abroad.

"I think these kind of comments by Mr Zarb only indicate we are starting out on the wrong foot.

"I would have expected Mr Zarb to have exercised more prudence. I also want to hear from the Malta Labour Party to see whether it would be retaining the same person as its representative on the task force," Dr Gonzi said.