The European Metalworkers Federation (EMF) has called on the government not to take decisions about the privatisation of the shipyards without continuous consultation with the General Workers' Union (GWU), the union said.
The EMF, which represents around 5.5 million workers in the metalworking industry, backed the GWU in its efforts to ensure the viability of the shipyards and reduce the negative social impact on the workers, the GWU added.
In a letter, the general secretary of the EMF, Peter Scherrer urged the government to ensure that workers will not be made redundant without being provided with alternative employment.
He also called on the government to respect EU regulations on the privatisation of public enterprises.