Good response to yards' schemes

Some 300 shipyard workers have expressed an interest in the government's early retirement and voluntary resignation schemes - launched just two days ago.

It is understood that 24 workers have signed up for one of the schemes, 140 have sought information from the information centres, and the remainder have made phone or e-mail queries.

"I'm surprised at the number of people who have already come forward, considering that the letters (offering the schemes) will be sent out on Monday," Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said yesterday.

The Malta Shipyards' privatisation process was set in motion last week and a call for expressions of interest will be issued tomorrow.

Shipyard workers on an indefinite contract - there are 1,627 - are eligible to take up one of the four schemes that will be open until the end of October. Should all the workers apply, the schemes would cost the government €49 million.

The government's aim is to reduce the workforce to less than 700 and make it more attractive for prospective buyers.

The schemes are voluntary: any worker who wants to stay on may opt to do so, though the government made it clear it could not guarantee their employment if the privatisation process falls through.

The schemes, divided into four age brackets, are modelled on those issued in 2003 - when the shipyards were restructured - but adjustments were made to reflect current realities.

According to Mr Fenech, some workers applying for the schemes had already landed alternative jobs.

Mr Fenech said he was surprised especially at the number of queries in connection with schemes C and D since this concerns workers up to 49 years old.

The General Workers' Union has advised workers not to accept these schemes unless the government guarantees they will all get jobs.

However, Mr Fenech said: "I think people are realising that December 31 is approaching," he said. According to the negotiated EU package, the government has to stop subsidising the shipyards by the end of the year.

"The workers are realising they have to reintegrate themselves quickly... ultimately they all have their families' interests at heart."

Mr Fenech maintained that a smaller workforce would mean better prospects of privatisation for the ailing shipyards.

So far, the government has received 14 queries about the yards, including American and Norwegian companies involved in the super-yacht business.