MMA files counter protest over claims by suspended worker

The Malta Maritime Authority (MMA) yesterday filed a counter protest in the First Hall of the Civil Court following a protest filed against it by Anthony Gauci.

Mr Gauci had filed a judicial protest saying he had been suspended from work for trying to prevent a fire at his workplace adding that disciplinary proceedings against him had stalled, breaching his right to a fair hearing.

The MMA declared that contrary to what Mr Gauci had alleged, he had been charged with various offences in the course of his duties, including gross insubordination. The charges against Mr Gauci had been brought before the authority's disciplinary board.

The proceedings against him were heard within a reasonable time. However, prior to a decision being taken, the composition of the disciplinary board changed due to changes in the authority's board of directors.

It would, therefore, have been against Mr Gauci's best interests if the board, composed of persons who had not heard the evidence, were to deliver a decision in Mr Gauci's case. For this reason, the proceedings against Mr Gauci were to start again.

The authority added that Mr Gauci had taken his claim to the Ombudsman who had dismissed it.

Mr Gauci was called upon to stop making any allegations against the authority.

Lawyers Franco Vassallo and Joseph Camilleri acted for the MMA.