Government yesterday said it will be meeting the General Workers Union over the privatisation of the Malta Shipyards next Friday on 27 June.
The government yesterday reiterated in a statement that the State’s role was not that of an operator but a regulator, stressing again that the privatisation of the dockyards was positive for the company and the country – even if it was profit-making.
“Recent economic history shows that privatisation was beneficial to the country’s social and economic development and for the workers themselves. Government believes this process is a national challenge that has to take place in the best interest of the workers and their families.”
It said it agreed with a dialogue with the General Workers Union over voluntary retirement schemes but excluded a debate over other alternatives to privatisation.
The government said the finance ministry’s privatisation unit will be leading the process, and said downsizing the shipyards’ workforce was essential for the company’s viability.