Port agreement will mean 20 per cent cut in tariffs

Port tariffs are expected to fall by about 20 per cent after an agreement on port reform is signed tomorrow by the union representing port workers, the Malta Maritime Authority and Competitiveness Minister Censu Galea.

On May 31, licensed dock workers approved the port reform agreement negotiated between the government and the Malta Dockers' Union, which represents the workers.

The agreement was approved unanimously during a meeting of the MDU's executive held at the Trade Fair Grounds, Naxxar. A total of 340 out of 360 licensed workers attended that meeting, which was addressed by union president Joe Saliba and legal consultant George Abela.

Sources said the agreement safeguards port workers' working conditions while reducing a number of tariffs. It is estimated that port tariffs will fall by about 20 per cent as a result of this agreement.

The reduction in tariffs has been made possible through a reduction in the percentage which goes towards the port workers' contingency fund. However, it was agreed that the fund will continue to make good for present and future obligations.

Originally, the fund was meant to provide workers with income when the workload was lean but today it makes good for injury and other claims. It is estimated that the fund has accumulated some Lm16 million.