GWU registers industrial dispute at PBS

The General Workers' Union yesterday registered an industrial dispute and gave notice of industrial action after the PBS management failed to provide the union with the government's precise intentions about the number of workers at the company.

The management also failed to explain how the company structure would operate and to give any details about voluntary redundancy and early retirement schemes, the union said.

In a letter to PBS chief executive Andrew Psaila, section secretary Karmenu Vella said the GWU would not tolerate unnecessary delays since this was causing tension, uncertainty, and pressure on the employees.

The government had earlier said that the restructuring of PBS was a complex process which required caution and determined action.

It said it intended to continue discussions with the unions to conclude the collective agreement without delay so that progress would be made on other matters.

After this, the government would immediately inform the union about its intentions on the workers' complement at PBS and the structure through which the company would operate.

The ministry said it would also inform the union about the proposed schemes for voluntary termination of employment and early retirement.

With regards to the PBS programme schedule and which programmes would be produced by the television station and which imported, it said these decisions were commercial matters which were decided by the management board and should not be subject to any agreement with the union.