Tony Zarb: I do not regret anything I said

Francis Saliba M.D.

Feb 10th, 06:34

It wasn't "modern day slavery" when Mintoff mopped up the gross unemployment situation he had caused in Malta by the "precarious work" in the Pijunieri, Dirghajn il-Maltin, Bahhar u Sewwi etc that denied membership in a trade union with the blessing of the GWU.

Jay Oatmon

Feb 10th, 09:35

It is not acceptable that a union 'sells' it's favours to certain compliant companies, and not others it disagrees with.
It must be an even playing field in all tender procedures, and the GWU knows it is distorting this with these statements and actions, it is to the disadvantage of other tenderers and without their knowledge.

Carmel J. Caruana

Feb 10th, 06:05

Angelo, you rae right of course, but unfortunately illegal work becomes really illegal only when the legislation is enforced. Can you honestly say that it is being enforced under GonziBusuttilPN? Can you honestly say that it WILL EVER be enforced under such a PN adminstration when the employers who do it finance the party?

Carmel J. Caruana

Feb 10th, 06:13

Charles, din sfortunatament hi l-problema ta' hafna organizzazzjonijiet - inkluzi unions, partitit politici, knejjes, ghaqdiet sportivi etc Ghandhom bzonn il-flus biex ikomplu jiffunzjonaw. L-izjed li jinkwetawni huma l-partiti. Ghalhekk kienet tant importanti il-ligi li ppropona Franco Debono fuq il-finanzjarjament tal-partiti - sfortunatament GonziBusuttilPN rmew din l-opportunita'. Ghaliex?

Francis Saliba M.D.

Feb 10th, 12:09

L-aqwa li npacpcu, "il-haddiema" telghin u l-"haddiema" nezlin, u nippretendu li qed naqbzu ghal haddiema waqt li ninnegozjaw ma employers li suppost qieghdin jaddottaw "precarious work practices, anzi nheggu 'l-gvern (specjalment xi Gvern LP ta-futur) biex ibazwar l-ghoti ta' xi tender favur taghhom u nohonqu l-kritika kontrihom fil-gurnal tal-GWU.
U ma nisthu xejn, Alla jbierek!

anthony sultana

Feb 9th, 18:33

agree 200%

GL Calleja

Feb 9th, 14:56

Here is the interpretation by Wikipedia through Google. "Precarious work" is non-standard employment that is poorly paid, insecure, unprotected, and cannot support a household. Google has all the answers.

Mr CHARLES TANTI

Feb 9th, 15:01

Precarious work means working with the rate of 2.50 euro per hour.

scott brown

Feb 9th, 15:29

simple. work is considered precarious if the worker is employed on part time basis but made to work long hours without being given basic benefits like bonus, sick leave, overtime etc. the employer has the option to allow his abused workers to join GWU which in return is offering not to blacklist the firm in their labour leaning papers and push their applications to obtain government tenders.

Victor Vella

Feb 9th, 15:39

Precarious work=suck the blood of the worker by offering poor wages below the minimum wage to lard your pockets with monies.

stephen mifsud

Feb 9th, 16:16

Fran u voting for PN So then u made ur decision so be it ... stay with the arrogant PN Gonzi and be happy .. im voting PL so ok we differ and life goes on ... may the democratic system elect the party with the most votes and elected seats ...

V Caruana

Feb 9th, 16:26

Quite easy. Go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precarious_work
eg, A Cleaning contractor employs a cleaner @ €3.85/hr in the private sector from 7.00am to 13.30pm
After 16.00pm the cleaner continue his duties in government offices till 19.00pm. He is paid less than the €3.85/hr.
during weekends the cleaner is oncall. Of course he is not paid overtime hours

Joe M Borg

Feb 9th, 16:26

I'm also worried about 'precarious' tenders, 'precarious' pushing, and 'precarious' votes.

GL Calleja

Feb 9th, 14:21

Thank God you can...Phew!!!!!!

Thomas Grima

Feb 9th, 14:34

I think it should be IMBUTATURA.

Giov DeMartino

Feb 9th, 15:12

No Thomas. it should be IMBUTTATURA

Joseph Aquilina

Feb 9th, 16:01

I think he should quit!

Joe M Borg

Feb 9th, 16:29

Ilu dahru mal hajt, IMMA JAF li hemm il-PL jiddefendih. L-imhabba ta' bejniethom, ghalkemm divorzjati, ghadha hemm.

Thomas Anderson

Feb 9th, 16:50

GonziPN elves have been trying to defend the indefensible for the past 5 years, Example 600 Euro raise, Energy Prices, Ministers on Private Jets, secretary generals on superyachts, Yellow Pages contractors, the list is endless.

Godfrey Pirotta

Feb 9th, 13:15

Some apparently, from what came out this week, were cohabiting.

Victor Zammit

Feb 9th, 14:30

Godfrey Pirotta
There was no divorce at the time.

Tony Agius

Feb 9th, 15:54

Kienu taparsi li isseparaw, kif jghamlu xi mizzewgin biex jiehdu il ( benefits ), u nahseb li il - ( Loving feeling ) ghal xulxin hemm qiegheda u bil ( benefits ) b'kollox.

Joe M Borg

Feb 9th, 12:26

That's because Joseph NEVER read l-Orizzont, the daily idependent newspaper. He wants to tell us that NOBODY can speak in PL's name! How naive! He ONLY missed L-Orizzont, to start with.

Victor Zammit

Feb 9th, 10:54

But Mr Tarcisio Mifsud and others of like thought, the question at the heart of the matter is, I think, how does a union feature in a tendering process? Can it submit a reference? Does or can an adjudicating board ask for references from whoever? It all depends on a 'yes' or 'no' answer.

Joseph Micallef

Feb 9th, 11:16

The thing is that he was also trading in the union's members rights and this is not the first time the GWU did it. Remember Phoenicia hotel?

Joe M Borg

Feb 9th, 11:42

What YOU missed from the interview, is the fact that he promised 'pushes', especially if PL gain power. And the blackmail style of Tony's 'work': 'YOU join our union; our attacks will stop; we will give you a push to 'gain' contracts';
You also forgot that MLP, years ago, were awarding contracts to bidders when the wage was FROZEN!

GL Calleja

Feb 9th, 14:31

"'YOU join our union; our attacks will stop" That is the credo of most unions. Some are very aggressive about it and some are not. Unions are the best thing that happened to workers everywhere until they became the curse when they became so powerful that they thought they are Gods and started to use force even on the workers themselves. Unfortunately lately Unions became a very profitable business

Carmel J. Caruana

Feb 10th, 06:17

Every union has the duty to protect workers (particularly those on precarious work) in whatever way possible - particularly when the government DOES NOT DO IT ITSELF! This is one of the failings of GonziBusuttilPN. Let us hope that a future government legislates against such practices and of course enforces such legislation (you can forget it if it's PN, unfortun such employers finance the party)

Joseph Micallef

Feb 9th, 11:22

Others are being prosecuted for trading influence. That is what Zarb is doing, will be doing if the PL is elected. Unfortunate thing is that these employers play within the parameters of the law and the contracts committee has the financial regulations to follow to the letter. We all know what happens if the tender is not awarded to the lowest bidder. It has always been like this not just now.

Joe M Borg

Feb 9th, 11:44

Very naive, Albert. And WHY the 'pushjatura' ONLY if they join GWU? And especially if PL are elected? The 'pushjatura' is intended to the company, (NOT THE WORKERS), to GWU, and to PL! Kapixx?

Richard Caruana

Feb 9th, 12:24

And what about favours in tendering?

Don't be selective with your comments please.

George Calleja

Feb 9th, 13:04

Veru persuna stramba biex kull ma jaghmel il-labour,u f'dan il-kaz il-GWU, dejjem tara kif issib xi skuza banali biex tiddefendi dan li ma jistax jigi difiz. Ipprova irraguna bis-sens. L-abjad ghidlu abjad u l-iswed iswed, jekk trid tigi emmnut!!

Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO

Feb 9th, 14:22

@GC Yes I do put facts into proper perspective to ensure that venial sins are not turned into mortal sins by those we constantly express false outrage and disbelief at all that the present opposition do or express.The problem is that many of you are so biased that they cannot see a whole truckful of beams in the eyes of those you support.I do write to help those who want arguments to disprove you

A pace

Feb 9th, 14:51

So it is only a question of vocabulary... and we to be so.o.o grateful for this enlightening piece of information. Calling a spade by any other name won't change the spade though - pity.

Joe M Borg

Feb 9th, 11:45

And what is good for GWU, PL and fat cats is good for......

Mr Andrew Camilleri

Feb 9th, 11:04

The question is though were the recordings doctored? Were they given to the PN in barter for something from giovernment? Is it possible PBO knows nothing about Gafa? Why did Gafa give the tapes to the PN -in exchange for what?

Joe M Borg

Feb 9th, 11:51

DC 'Gonzi negative tactics'. Do you live in Malta? Have you ever heard of Superone, Orizzont; or PL? If you haven't, then BEFORE you write about being negative, spare a minute for them. They will TEACH you what negative tactics are.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Feb 9th, 14:50

@S Farrugia
Toni Zarb imissu jaghmel apologija, mhux biss lill-LP imma wkoll lill-GWU li taghha hu kap. lit-trade unjonizmu kollu decenti u lin-nazzjon ghall-agir xejn xieraq tieghu, u ghall-wicc tost tieghu meta ghandu tort kbir u flok ibaxxi rasu b'misthija jaghzel li jwebbes rasu b'arroganza li ma titwemminx.

Vince Piscopo

Feb 9th, 11:22

Why? Because Mr Zarb is a problem to the PN govt. in his way of defending worker's rights ? No way Mr Zarb did nothing wrong watch the clip again, it is just a misinterpretation and an intended spin of the word "puxjatura"...... "haddiehor li ghamel hafna u hafna u hafna u nerga' nghidlek hafna aghar warrab??!!!"

Peter Simpson

Feb 9th, 10:29

@Paul Camilleri:
The contractor involved did not need a 'pushjatura' :he needed no 'pushjatura' since he is the biggest contractor in the business-both in government and private entities!

Victor Zammit

Feb 9th, 10:32

On a lighter tone: 'pushjatura'. I would have thought it is 'puxxjatura'. Maltenglish of a new kind? Kunsill tal-Malti please note.

paul camilleri

Feb 9th, 11:52

@Mr Peter Simpson. seems that even the biggest or should we say largest to keep Mr Zammit quite contractor in the business needs a helping hand should LP get elected and therefore was preparing his way to make certain he would get govt tenders. this is where your most respect Mr Zarb went wrong because he was looking at the contractors interests and not the workers!!!

Peter Simpson

Feb 9th, 14:38

@Paul Camilleri.
Malta is what it is. Alas business is all about lobbying and tenders even more I would say. Do you think that a contractor who gives a helping hand in spin will not have a hay day if GonziPn wins the next election? Although I might be wrong, do you believe in the 'yellow pages fairy tale for the 160 million contract?

John Vella

Feb 9th, 09:57

Hahahaa good one

Naomi Attard Borg

Feb 9th, 10:12

Good one!! Very well said!!

Lawrence Attard

Feb 9th, 10:17

Ghogbitni din. Pero mhux kull lobby group jaghmel hekk? Il union kbira l ohra mhux hekk dejjem ghamlet bil mohbi? Biex qed niskantaw u nistaghgbu? Minn ir rekordja l konversazzjoni ragel allura? Jikser il ligi sfaccatament ihallas lill haddiema inqas mill minimum wage u hadd ma jaghmilu xejn? Xgaggbinizmu dan? U nattakkaw lill Toni Zarb ghax prova jaqbez bil mod tieghu ghal haddiema? Bis serjeta?

Martin Busuttil

Feb 9th, 11:45

It was reported that the government has just signed an agreement with the UHM, behind the back of all the members of all the other unions.
Why was this agreement signed in such a matter, if I may ask?
Have you got an anwer for that Fran Abela?
Or is it so because it such a thing was done by gonzi/simonpn, it is all right?

Joe M Borg

Feb 9th, 11:52

The best comment on this page. Unfortunately, it's true, and God help the workers! Prosit Fran

Fran Abela

Feb 9th, 14:25

Martin Busuttil - What has your comment got to do with my joke. Have you no sense of humour at all. It appears that the PL may win the election so you should all be happy and not always sound and appear miserable.

Denis Pace

Feb 9th, 20:19

@Martin Busuttil
Agreement with UHM

Well done
Excellent agreement for all

Fran Abela

Feb 9th, 09:55

You are quite right Mr. Vella - any government should clamp down on employnment abuses. I cannot understand how you work with government but get paid by a middle man. However, if I were you I would try and seek another job - or continue working with government but getting paid by government. No one should go through what you are going through - it is not humane. Are you a member of a Union

Christopher Vella

Feb 9th, 09:57

Take legal advise John. There are laws that protect you against this sort of abuse. Being sub contracted is normal working practice all around the world. However as with other things in Malta such practices are undertaken by dilettante companies.cant blame the government for everything!

paul camilleri

Feb 9th, 10:01

if he is your employer and not a contractor that has sub contracted you work i suggest that either you report him or find another job. but by the looks of it you have sub contracted yourself to this contractor and your self employed in which case i suggest to you why dont you go it alone and stop relying on other people to syphon work off to you?

joanna farrugia

Feb 9th, 10:05

join my club :) i get paid every 6 weeks and if i get my pay i have no rights and i work all holidays and public too.this situation will remain as it is cos no one do nothing to the big fish

Lawrence Attard

Feb 9th, 10:19

Your solution? Vote Labour. Jien ili 13 il sena bil paga ffrizata.

Joe M Borg

Feb 9th, 11:56

Lawrence. On record, the only government that EVER froze the salary was MLP under Mintoff. You KNOW that in the last 15 years wages have increased. Nobody believes you! In 15 years, PN has: increased wages; adjusted COLA; raised children's allowance; raised pensions; given a 300 Euro bonus to the over 80; WHAT ELSE DO YOU EXPECT? It is obvious that you are suffering from Onetv overdose.

Victor Caruana

Feb 9th, 09:57

Ma fhimt xejn Anthony. Qallu li l-GWU ma tappoggjax lil min ihaddem b'xoghol prekarju (kif kull Union ghandha taghmel, ma nahsibx li qallu hazin hux?) u l-PL ilu jghid li ma jaghtix tenders lil min ihaddem fil-prekarjat (kif ghandu jkun!) X'corrupt practices hemm f'daqshekk? Mela jekk tohodha kontra l-hazen ifisser li hemm corrupt practices ukoll go dan il-pajjiz?

J Cassar

Feb 9th, 10:06

Qieghed jammetija u qieghed jajd li ma ghandux indiema!!!

Nicholas Mamo

Feb 9th, 10:11

Ma jistax johrog minhabba li jissemmew terzi persuni u kumpaniji, madankollu gurnalisti indipendenti semghu it-tape kollu qabel ilbierah (il-Hamis 7 ta' Frar).

stephen mifsud

Feb 9th, 16:11

start cringing than ... practice makes perfect

G Schembri

Feb 9th, 09:30

Who do you want to believe Tony Zarb - a man whose job is to fight for the rights of workers, or Domenic Gafa an employer who is well known for 'precarious employment'. It seems the PN would rather believe this person. It seems he is not one of the Contractors who are aiding the PL. Most probably his competitors support the PL, those whose workers are treated better.

Fran Abela

Feb 9th, 09:59

G, Schembri - if the person you mentioned is well known for 'precarious employment' why is he not reported to the Labour Office and why do people work for him ?

G Schembri

Feb 9th, 13:03

Hello Fran Abela, are you living in Malta? We have been hearing about precarious workers from everyone, some are even given government contracts especially those working in the health, security or cleaning sector. Both parties said they will tackle this problem if elected. No wonder Toni Zarb said a recommendation from a workers' union would help . Apparently Mr Gafa, has PN protection

Manwel Sinagra

Feb 9th, 13:17

Fran, there were articles making these public. Does the ETC (like the Police it seems) need to be asked by the PM to investigate?

G Schembri

Feb 9th, 13:11

You are confusing him with Austin Gatt when he was emerging from police questioning at the PHQ in Floriana.

paul camilleri

Feb 9th, 10:10

yesterday during an interview Dr Muscat was forced to say nkundana minn jitkellem ghal nom tal patit tal Labour, look behind you and be prepared tony ax daqt tircievi telefonata bhal Dr Farrugia( i wouldnt advise you go on holiday overseas because that would be the time Dr Muscat would call you lolol

G Schembri

Feb 9th, 13:06

The PN are protecting Domenic Gafa, an employer who offers precarious employment. Seems these type of contractors work hand in hand with the PN.

G Schembri

Feb 9th, 13:09

paul camilleri PL has no jurisdiction on GWU, JM has no right to speak in GWU's name - Toni Zarb has no right to speak in PL's name. You are confusing the issues.

Francis Saliba M.D.

Feb 9th, 21:41

@ G Schembri

Il-GWU u l-MLP/LP ma jistghux jitkellmu ghal-xulxin avolja wara li z-zwieg ta' bejnithom tfarrak, xorta wahda baqghu "pogguti"?

Manwel Sinagra

Feb 9th, 13:15

Joe, Depending whether the contract is over 120k or not there are committees set up by the PM (over) or the minister (under). I guess your questions 1-3 can be answered by these government appointees. Question 4 can be answered by lining up the workers and as they pass by Dr. Simon Busuttil should apparently be able to recognise whether they are Nationalists or Labour.

Steve M. Engerer

Feb 9th, 09:32

The PN joker card is the MLP itself & it's affiliates!!!!

No regrets!!! Should we clap??
I remember someone declaring he had no regrets... remember Alfred Sant?

Well birds of the same feather flock together..

Darren Frendo

Feb 9th, 09:39

Those temporary accession funds have now been enhanced by a further 1.2 billion!!! Nuff said!!!!

Darren Frendo

Feb 9th, 09:39

Those temporary accession funds have now been enhanced by a further 1.2 billion!!! Nuff said!!!!

Fran Abela

Feb 9th, 10:00

The PN have been in government for twenty five years (less two years of Labout government) because people voted them in. Can you lot please understand that once and for all. If people do not want a party in government they just do not vote for it and thats it.

Joe Fenech

Feb 9th, 10:30

Darren Frendo, I don't know where they got that from ! EU funds have been slashed (it's been voted a couple of days ago!).

K.G. Vella

Feb 9th, 09:25

Hello! Malta calling! Tony Zarb represents the GWU and no one else.

G Schembri

Feb 9th, 09:26

This incident gives an insight in the working of both the LP and the PN. It shows the LP will give contracts to companies whose workers are treated well, Whilst the PN is supporting a company with precarious employment.