(Adds MUT statement)

The Labour Party in a statement this afternoon reiterated that it backs the privatisation of Malta Shipyards, but it insisted that the government should change the way it is treating the workers.

The MLP – which drew criticism after its leaders attended yesterday’s GWU meeting – said it was urging the Prime Minister to heed the GWU’s call for talks so that agreement on a way forward could be found in the interests of the workers and taxpayers.

“The Labour Party makes it clear that the only way forward is through discussion and peaceful initiatives,” the party said.

It insisted that the workers should be given a real choice over whether or not to take up the early retirement schemes, and Dr Gonzi should explain how, just six months ago, he told the dockyard workers that their jobs were secure, and now he wanted to reduce the workforce even before knowing what the requirements of the new owners would be.

The party also felt that privatisation should lead to the creation of new maritime enterprise involved in traditional sectors as well as new areas such as superyachts, alternative energy, alternative means of transport and technical education.

The Malta Union of Teachers in a statement this evening said that while it agreed that the dockyard should not remain a burden on taxpayers, the government, as the shareholder, should shoulder its social responsibilities and ensure that workers had peace of mind about their future, and they were adequately compensated.

It called for a sense of responsibility by all parties in the issue.