 |
Fresh attempt at mediation, more people in court
By MaltaMedia News
Jul 16, 2008 - 7:13:38 PM
|
|
Licences for new hearses were issued on Wednesday after a court rejected an injunction brought forward by the Federation of Public Transport. This happened as a fresh attempt at mediation has been launched to solve the impasse that led to a strike by transport services, Transport Minister Austin Gatt announced. Attempts at strike breaking continued while more persons were arraigned in court following incidents related to the strike.
The Transport Authority issued licences for five new hearses after the court turned down a plea to have them banned.
Services provided by alternative modes of transport were interrupted on Wednesday. The ferry service offering transport between Valletta and Sliema was targeted by a number of transport workers on Wednesday afternoon.
Meanwhile operators using eight traditional barklori, offering transport between Vittoriosa and the Grand Harbour, also suspended their free services after being threatened.
Following the chaos caused by the strike, some tourists reportedly missed their flights on Wednesday morning. Air Malta, who condemned the actions, said in a press release that is assisting a number of passengers booked on low cost and other airlines.
"All passengers who have missed their flights due to this strike can present their flight tickets at the Air Malta check-in counter number 13 at Malta International Airport. The passengers of other airlines are being rerouted on the first available Air Malta service at no charge. Similarly Air Malta passengers will not be charged any rebooking or rerouting fees," Air Malta said. Fortunately, transport congestion at the airport seems to have eased.
Meanwhile, the police have so far arraigned twelve persons in relation with various accidents happening during the current strike. Charges vary from damage to other people's and public property, public unrest and violent behavior.
On Wednesday afternoon, eight persons were charged in court before Magistrate Dr Silvio Meli. They are 48-year-old Paul Vella of Gharghur, 35-year-old Jason Vella of Hamrun, 28-year-old Johann Spiteri of B'Kara, 25-year-old James Grech of Zebbug, 49-year-old Raymond Pace of St Venera, 21-year-old Paul Borg of Attard, 28-year-old Johan Cauchi of Qormi and 33-year-old Martin Cauchi of San Gwann.
The police also arraigned 42 year-old Francis Cassar of Bormla, Joseph Buttigieg, 48 of Marsa, Carmel Axiak, 55 of Swatar and John Attard, 65 of St Venera on Tuesday.
All men are currently being held at the Corradino Correctional Facility.
© Copyright 2008 by MaltaMedia.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
Latest update:
Jul 18, 2008 - 6:27:47 PM CET
|
