Call for consultation over shipyards' privatisation
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.
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J Martinelli
Jul 29th 2008, 17:21
Has the EMF been informed that the government has paid one billion euros in subsidies over the last several years to an unproductive shipyard?
Has the EMF any idea how many consultative meetings have been held with the GWU in the last several years?
Does the EMF know about the restructuring programme which in the first three years seemed to be on track but reversed itself in the latter three?
Many are seeking 'talks', 'consultations' and 'studies'. We are well past that stage now and what we require is action.
The only viable option is privatization - there is little else to discuss. An early retirement package is being negotiated for voluntary acceptance by the workers. Those who refuse the package and opt to remain will be willing to take a chance at being rehired by the new owners.
The offer is clear, the GWU has known about the government's intention for quite some time, the subsidy issue has been clear for the last four years or more, so, what else is there to discuss?