Vince Farrugia files libel against Tony Zarb
Miriam Dalli
Adds reaction by the General Workers' Union
In a reaction to Vince Farrugia's libel threat, GWU secretary general Tony Zarb said that "no maneuvers by Vince Farruiga, including the libel suit, will stop him from standing by his comments".
Zarb is insisting that Farrugia called workers in precarious environment "rats". He also referred to the minutes of meeting 180 of the MCESD.
Earlier
In a statement issued last night, GRTU Director General Vince Farrugia categorically denied having ever called workers "rats" during a meeting of the MCESD. He also announced that he has filed a libel suit against GWU secretary general Tony Zarb.
"Tony Zarb is not only quoting out of context, but is also in breach of the regulations and the ethical procedure of the MCESD. Discussions and minutes of the Council are confidential to let the discussion flow," the GRTU said.
During yesterday's programme of 'Affari Taghna', Zarb accused Farrugia of describing workers in a precarious environment as "rats". Zarb went on to challenge Paul Abela, representing the GRTU, to condemn Farrugia's comments.
MaltaToday also reported that Farrugia had asked programme host John Bundy to cut out Zarb's comments.
The GRTU said that Farrugia's comments were directed against the "negative and wrong attitude of the GWU who only criticises and laments all the time over the economic and social advancements".
GRTU went on to say that GWU only wanted to "suffocate businesses" and scare consumers from buying and self employed from investing.
Farrugia criticised the GWU for its campaign "to attract self employed after years of insulting them and calling them 'tax evaders' and 'thieves' ".
"What the Director General in reality said was that there was no place within the GRTU for who evades and carries out illicit business. If the GWU wanted to take these types of rats, it's their problem," GRTU said.
The union stressed that no one within the GRTU will "ever insult workers".