Dockers' union sues GWU chief for libel

The Malta Dockers Union yesterday filed a libel suit against the general secretary of the General Workers' Union, Tony Zarb over an article that appeared in Orizzont on March 26.

The MDU's executive committee complained about an article written by Mr Zarb entitled Laqgħa Sigrieta Bejn Ministru, Uffiċjal Tal-MMA U Ieħor Tal-MDU - Konfoffa Kontra l-GWU (Secret meeting between a minister, a Malta Maritime Authority official and another from the MDU - A conspiracy against the GWU).

Lawyer Ian Stafrace acted for the MDU.

The two unions are involved in a tug of war for recognition as the port workers' representative. Today, the GWU is to hold a secret ballot asking workers to decide which union they want as their representative. The MDU says it will not respect the outcome of the ballot because it has 327 paid-up members out of the 370 licensed port workers.