Ex-Maltapost manager wins compensation for demotion

A retired Maltapost employee has won €14,000 in compensation after an industrial tribunal found that the company had discriminated against him during its restructuring.

Harry Calleja, who was a senior manager within the delivery section, took action in 2006 after he was demoted by two positions and his work given to a number of individuals, the tribunal heard.

Maltapost CEO Joseph Gafà argued that the board had two options when dealing with Mr Calleja: to make him redundant or offer him a job one grade lower. The tribunal said Mr Gafà was wrong to claim there existed only two options because, although Mr Calleja’s job no longer existed, his previous duties had been given to a number of individuals.

Furthermore, the fact that he was offered a job that was far below his original post, when other employees were given jobs without even having been interviewed, was tantamount to discrimination, the tribunal said in handing down judgment.

Lawyer Ian Spiteri Bailey appeared for Mr Calleja while lawyers Stefania Camilleri and Andrew Borg Cardona appeared for Maltapost.