GWU says various firms considering shorter working week
The GWU said today it was reiterating its appeal to the government not to raise the power tariffs in an increasingly uncertain economic climate.
The union said its officials had been told by the management of various companies that they were considering dismissals and going on a reduced working week.
The union said it would hold the government responsible for turmoil in the labour sector if it continued to insist on raising the tariffs.
Those plans, the union said, were also alarming workers because of the impact on their purchasing power.
'O' rings maker Trelleborg, which employs some 600 workers, confirmed last week it had gone on a four-day week.
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raphael stafrace
Oct 21st 2008, 19:49
Everbody is mentioning Trelleborg and the 4 day week. But I think all concerned should thank Mr Martin Hignett general manager at Trelleborg and Jason Deguara GWU section secretary for working closely togather and minimizing this grave situation for the 600 employees. It is better to work a 4 day week than seeing workers laid off.
Shame on those workers who phoned Mr Deguara urging him to dismiss workers rather than working a 4 day week. In its 47 years history trelleborg ex malta rubber ex dowty has pulled off from these situations by close cooperation between workers managment and the gwu. Personally i think these time we can do it again.
John Mifsud
Oct 21st 2008, 18:04
I hope the usual PN apologists on this website will refrain from accusing the GWU of alarming the public or of exaggerating the situation in manufacturing industries in Malta. I have been involved body and soul in manufacturing firms these past 35 years and can guarantee you that raising of the power tariffs, whether in one go or over the next 3 years, will be the death-knell for a number of long-established industries and will cause irreparable harm both economically as well as socially.
g.c.Forte
Oct 21st 2008, 18:03
For all those who are not agreeing with the government regarding the raise of the power tariffs ( MCESD members,the M.L.P.and all the Maltese public) In my opinion the government is taking everybody for a ride on this matter, because at the end these tariffs will be minimized but AFTER the next budget, there will be the turmoil,and it will be on all other things but not the power.This government is like a bad father,never cared for the future of our children.