Tony Zarb warns Palumbo: 'yard workers joined GWU and we want recognition'

Tony Zarb, who yesterday evening addressed a Christmas gathering for retired workers from the metal and construction section, said that the majority of the workers at the Palumbo Shipyards had joined the GWU.

The Drydocks was historically considered to be the GWU stronghold until it was closed down on March 31 and subsequently privatised.

Neapolitan firm Palumbo took over the docks amid speculation that the new owners were not interested in having any trade union represent the workers at the yard.

In an interview with MaltaToday last May, Cantieri Palumbo Spa Managing Director Antonio Palumbo was evasive on the matter when questioned.

While stressing that he will respect the laws of Malta and the workers’ rights, Antonio Palumbo added that “the issue is a matter the workers must address…it’s their problem.” he said.

Besides the Dockyard, Tony Zarb also said that the GWU will also be seeking recognition at the Manoel Island Yacht Yard.

“We are not expecting an easy 2011,” Tony Zarb said in his speech, adding that middle-aged workers will be paying higher national insurance contributions as from January 1, and will also be facing a reform of the pensions second pillar scheme.

 “It’s too much for workers to handle,” he said.

Tony Zarb spoke about the recently announced €600-a-week raise which ministers and parliamentary secretaries had approved for themselves, stressing that it would take workers up to 30 years to collect the same sum with the €1.16 COLA increase they were granted.

“It is obscene and living proof of the government’s insensitivity towards the people’s difficulties. But the time will come when the government will have to face the people,” he stressed.