The GWU is to hold a meeting for the workers at De La Rue security printers after a break-down of talks on a new collective agreement.

The union in a statement today said the representatives of the management had walked out of a meeting after rejecting final proposals made by the union.

It also claimed the management had made unfounded allegations against some workers and their representatives, including claims of bullying.

The union declared an industrial dispute last week.

In February it was announced that De La Rue, which has 600 employees, is to be restructured as part of the company’s efforts to make its global operations more viable.

The employees were informed that the Malta plant needed to become more competitive.

Andrew Mizzi, the GWU’s section secretary, had said at the time that downsizing or total closure of the plant were possibilities if targets were not met.