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PM announces start of Shipyards' privatisation
By MaltaMedia News
Jun 18, 2008 - 5:16:26 PM
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On Wednesday, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced that the Government has decided to start the process for the privatisation of the Malta Shipyards.
Speaking at a press conference, PM Gonzi said that various international companies had approached the government over the past years to show their interest in buying the Shipyards.
The Prime Minister said that discussions will be held with the General Workers Union (GWU) on the reduction of the work force so as to make the Shipyards more attractive to foreign investors. One measure could see the implementation of early retirement schemes.
Following the press conference, the GWU criticised the government for failing to consult the union prior to its announcement on plans to privatise the Shipyards.
The Times reported the GWU saying that this violated the EU directive on the right to information. Also, various issues, including what the government meant by privatisation, would need to be clarified.
The union said it was prepared to enter into talks but it would not accept imposition or arrogance. Nor would it accept the dismissal of any workers, since the problems of the shipyard did not stem from the workers but the management.
The union said its own plan for the shipyard, based mainly on a revision of the Appledore report, was clear and relevant for any scenario which could affect the shipyard, whether it was state-owned or otherwise.
Meanwhile on Wednesday evening, the Malta Labour Party (MLP) said that the government’s “senseless arrogance” in deciding to privatise the Shipyards without consulting involved parties shows that PM Gonzi wants to work alone.
The Nationalist government has completely ignored the offer made by the Labour Party to collaborate on the future of the enterprise, MLP leader Joseph Muscat and MLP spokesperson Helena Dalli said in a press release.
After announcing the privatisation process, Prime Minister Gonzi said there now needs to be national consensus on the matter and expects everyone to agree with him, the press release reads.
The MLP is insisting for wide consultation on the issue.
“The government has lately blamed the Shipyards’ problem on its workers and does not mention the major mistakes made by the company itself”.
The MLP concluded by saying that PM Gonzi did not consider the workers’ peace of mind when making his announcement. The government has already decided to decrease the number of workers without even seeing the plans which those interested in buying the shipyard might have.
On the other hand, the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise said it welcomed the announcement of privatisation made by PM Gonzi on Wednesday.
“In so far as the workforce is involved, the Chamber expresses its hope that the process is rendered as smooth as possible for all parties concerned.”
The Chamber suggested that the surplus human resources concerned are given adequate re-training if necessary to ensure that these employees are made available on the labour market.
Concluding, the Chamber said it “earnestly hopes that in the national interest, all those involved in the privatisation process should be constantly aware of their onerous role, acknowledging that state subsidies to the shipyard must stop by the end of this year, and that any delay will further complicate matters.”
See also:
Gloomy future for Malta shipyards
© Copyright 2008 by MaltaMedia.com
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Latest update:
Jun 20, 2008 - 9:29:29 AM CET
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