The VAT department in Birkirkara. Photo: Jason Borg

Tempers flared at the VAT department yesterday when about 35 employees abandoned their desks to protest against the lack of ventilation in “unbearably hot” offices.

Employees who spoke to Times of Malta anonymously said the protest lasted just over an hour and was prompted by the delivery of new air conditioning units to one of the few sections of the building that already had a functioning system which, however, was not strong enough.

“It’s ridiculously hot in here, by 10am you just can’t work anymore. Yesterday it was 35˚C at my desk,” said one employee.

The employees said the department’s air conditioning – a central ventilation system – had been working only sporadically for at least three years due to the repeated breakdown of large gas chillers on the roof.

The Director General had vowed to rectify the situation “as soon as possible” but no progress has been made, according to another member of staff.

The Finance Ministry expressed solidarity with the workers but also “surprise” at the conditions, saying it had ordered works to be carried out a few weeks earlier and assuring workers they would be finished in the coming weeks.

The employees gathered in the main reception area claimed the department’s directors and a few “chosen sections” were comfortable while they were left to swelter in the unventilated glass offices.

“Why should anyone have to work like this?” said one disgruntled employee.