The news that there were 14 bids for Malta Shipyards is most welcome.

It is interesting to note that bids were received from both local and foreign sources, ranging from Europe to Asia, in a time of global economic crisis. In itself, this confirms the value of the shipyards. One sincerely hopes that the various sections of Malta Shipyards will become viable while offering decent job conditions for its workers. In this regard, it is imperative that trade union involvement will be given full space in this process.

The news regarding the shipyards offers hope at a time when many workers are facing difficulties and loss of jobs. As a Green Party, Alternattiva Demokratika did its best to help safeguard the interests of workers to ensure a socially just solution to the government's decision to privatise Malta Shipyards. Similarly, we support initiatives that protect the interests of workers elsewhere and all pro-active efforts to ensure decent work to all those workers in private industry whose jobs are at risk in this moment of crisis.