GRTU director denies calling workers 'rats'

The GRTU and its director general Vince Farrugia has filed a libel suit to deny what Mr Farrugia said were insinuations made by GWU general secretary Tony Zarb on One's programme Affari Taghna.

In a statement, the GRTU said that in a clear and senseless attempt to destroy the GRTU's credibility, Mr Zarb insituated that during a meeting of the MCESD, Mr Farrugia called workers 'rats'. Mr Farrugia said he categorically denied the allegations.

The GRTU said that MCESD regulations and ethics required council discussions to be confidential to ensure free speech. What Mr Zarb was quoting was a speech by Mr Farrugia aimed against the netative attitude being shown by the GWU which continuously complained on the social and economic advancement being made by the country with the clear aim to strangle businesses, instil fear in consumers and discourage the self-employed from investing.

Mr Farrugia insisted that major damage was being made to trade in Malta and to Malta's image abroad with the GWU's attacks.

He also criticised the GWU for its campaign to encourage the self-employed to join the union after spending years calling them thieves and tax evaders to instigate the authorities to launch investigations about them and nail them.

It was in this context, the GRTU said, that Mr Farrugia was tough with the GWU and insisted that there was no place for tax evaders and those who made illicit business deals within the GRTU and said that the GWU could take these kind of 'rats' if it so wanted.

None of the GRTU directors would ever be insolent with workers who were needed for enterprises to be successful, the GRTU said.