15 - 21 June 2000

GWU actions enter third month

by Franco Aloisio

The General Workers' Union's industrial actions against the government on the Budget 2000 measures have entered the third month, with no solution in sight.

The actions at the postal department, ports and drydocks have had a partial effect on the government's operation. However, the government continued functioning despite the mishaps caused especially by the failed delivery of post to and fro government departments and parastatal organisations.

GWU secretary general Tony Zarb told The Malta Business Weekly the actions have been a success.

"The fact that the government had to purchase a large quantity of 'normal' envelops to have its post delivered indicates that the actions were successful," Mr Zarb said.

Asked whether any solution is in sight, Mr Zarb said there have been no discussions between the government and the union on the subject matter, although there were some contacts between the two sides. Mr Zarb said a solution can be arrived at only if the government implements the proposals made by the GWU in order to reduce the burden of the budget measures on the workers.

"The directives will stay on until things really change," Mr Zarb said. He added that despite the fact that the constituted bodies, including the GWU, will meet Finance Minister John Dalli during an MCED meeting later this month on the 2001 Budget, the union is still in disagreement with the government on the 2000 Budget.