GWU calling meeting for shipyard workers

The General Workers' Union will be calling a meeting for all shipyard workers on Thursday to inform them about the current situation and brief them about the strategy the union plans to adopt.

This decision was taken by the GWU's executive committees representing dockyard workers, during a meeting held yesterday at the union's headquarters in Valletta.

The meeting was called to evaluate the situation after talks between the union and the government over a new collective agreement broke down last week.

It was decided during the meeting that the GWU should keep insisting that negotiations should continue, in a bid to find a solution not only on pending issues regarding the collective agreement but also about the complete restructuring of the 'yards. This would involve the shedding of an additional 900 workers.

When contacted, a spokesman for Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, who is leading the talks on the 'yard workers with the GWU, said that the government would only introduce fresh early retirement schemes if the issue about wage increases related to productivity is ironed out.

The details about the early retirement schemes were still being worked out between Dr Gonzi and Finance Minister John Dalli, the spokesman said.

Asked why the union was not taking a more militant stand, in view of its past actions, GWU general secretary Tony Zarb said the union was being careful not to disrupt any new contracts that could come to the drydocks.

"Moreover, we do not want the union to be put in a bad light in the perception of the public when we have been insisting on further negotiations," Mr Zarb said.

In a statement, the GWU claimed that it was the deputy prime minister who had decided to cut short negotiations but now Dr Gonzi was taking a different stance and was ready to go on with talks.

The union repeated that when the government thought it fit, the GWU was disposed to continue with the discussions.

Yesterday, the GWU announced a programme of activities to mark its 60th anniversary on October 5.

The main activity will be a one-day conference to be held at the New Dolmen Hotel in Qawra on October 7 where the keynote speakers will be President Guido de Marco, Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami and Opposition Leader Alfred Sant.

The theme of the conference will be B'Sahha w Kuragg Nghelbu l-Isfidi, which literally translates as With Strength and Courage We Will Overcome the Challenges.

The delegates at the meeting will be asked to approve a resolution dealing with what path the GWU should follow in the light of the current situation obtaining regarding job losses.