A port worker who turns 62 today has resorted to legal action to stop the authorities from revoking his licence upon reaching pensionable age.

Joseph Zammit, a Valletta port worker, claimed in a judicial protest that the law breached his constitutional right to work.

He also filed an application for an injunction after he was informed that he was not able to report for work as from today, his 62nd birthday.

The protest and the injunction were filed against the Attorney General, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi, Transport Malta, the Ports and Yachting Directorate and the Port Workers’ Board.

He is arguing that the law, through which a port worker’s licence is revoked upon reaching pensionable age, precluded port workers from retaining their current job, even if they wanted to keep on working for a longer period.

Through his lawyers, Adrian Delia and Karl Tanti, Mr Zammit is arguing that the article was in breach of his right to property of a licence which he has held for a long period of time.

It was also precluding him from his right to work, both of which are enshrined in the constitution. “It is also in stark contrast to recent government incentives to encourage people to work beyond their pensionable age,” his lawyers said.

They asked the court presided by Madam Justice Lorraine Schembri Orland to grant the injunction to halt the authorities from enforcing their decision to revoke Mr Zammit’s licence.

The court provisionally upheld the request until a definite decree is given. The case will be heard on September 24 when lawyers representing the parties will make oral submissions.