Wednesday, 1st October 2008 - 10:14CET

Dockyard retirement schemes almost a total success

A total of 1,485 dockyard workers applied for the early retirement schemes by closing time yesterday afternoon, the Finance Ministry said today.

That only leaves 141 on the books of Malta Shipyards, including 91 who are over 56 years old and who, therefore, will still be entitled to the full handout if they apply during this month. The other 50 workers will now only be entitled to 85 percent.

The ministry said the office which had handled applications at the Catholic Institute has now been closed. Other applications will be received by the Privatisation Unit.

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Comments

N.Abela (on 2/10/08)

Mmmmmm I suppose the 56+ workers are not in a hurry to get their LM2,000 (two thousand Maltese Liri) cheque after working for 40 odd years!

I Abela (on 1/10/08)

The minister has burdened the coffers with the early retirement of employees who could have been left at the shipyards and be paid by the new owner.
2) The minister proudly slashed the workforce to 141. How could 141 people repair a ship? Obviously a new owner would require much more than that, so its either the re-employment of the skilled employees which took the early retirement, so effectively kept their job anyway, or an influx of cheap labour from abroad while our families try to make ends meet.

I am ready to bet my head that the government plans for the shipyards are to close it down, declare it bankrupt etc, and sell the land, because the government itself is bankrupt and needs some serious cash right away. Anyone wanna bet?

A Zammit (on 1/10/08)

How can this outcome be termed 'almost a total success’?
1. A centuries old industry, one of the few remaining on the Island, has been obliterated with the consequential loss of skills.
2. In a world facing serious economic turmoil where the result shall be less disposable income in Europe, Asia and the United States tourism levels in Malta shall surely suffer. Rather than seriously tackling the shipyard issue, the government has divested all responsibility to revive this industry which globally is enjoying elevated demand and high pricing. Most European yards are making a profit.
3. 1485 Maltese workers have lost their jobs.
4. The privatisation plan prepared by the government has been completely rejected. The government has now to present the European Union with a new privatisation strategy after competition commissioner Neelie Kroes objected to the plans.
5. A further EUR 100m in debts accumulated during these last five years during which the shipyards were practically directly run by government have to be written-off.
Can somebody please explain this success?