The Nationalist Party this morning called for the resignation of the General Workers' Union general secretary  after releasing an audio recording where Tony Zarb is heard suggesting the union may "give a push" in tendering processes to companies which are friendly with it. (above)

Earlier, the GWU claimed the recording constituted  "deceitful reporting".

The audio was recorded during a meeting between Mr Zarb, a representative of a private company, and a mediator.

The union said the meeting was meant to address the problem of precarious work.

It said the PN had broadcast selected and edited parts of a private conversation in a manner intended to harm the union. This was a continuation of the PN’s attacks against the union and the interests of the workers it represented.

The union said it was considering further action.

(Footage above shows the footage and audio produced by the PN media).

The PN said that the recording showed the pressure which the GWU was placing on businessmen and contractors. It was clear that the GWU would be the privileged partner of a Labour government, putting other trade unions and their members at a disadvantage.

The party described the union's attitude with the PL as a case of 'scratch my back and I scratch yours'.

NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE PL - MUSCAT

Asked about the issue, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said this morning his party was friendly towards all, whether unions or businessmen.

However, no one had the right to speak on behalf of a new government. Labour's policies were drawn up by the PL with statements of intent made either by him directly or by a spokesman, he said.

Dr Muscat said he heard that the extracted broadcast by Net TV had been heavily edited, so he challenged Media Link to issue the entire conversation.

He said he would like to hear the whole conversation, which he was told was about precarious employment, to see if it had been taken out of context.

Asked whether Mr Zarb should resign because of what he said, Dr Muscat said that it was the GWU general secretary who had to clarify and say whether what he said had been taken out of context.

He reiterated his promise that a Labour government would continue to be vigilant on employers offering precarious working conditions.

Such employers would not be considered for government contracts under his watch.