Commissioner for Equality position stands vacant, discrimination cases pending

Labour weekly organ Kullhadd reports that the situation developed because the former Commissioner for Equality Romina Bartolo has resigned from her position to take up duties of Executive Director within the same Commission, taking over from the previous Executive Director, Therese Bugeja.

Just a few months ago, Employment Minister Dolores Cristina had appointed Bartolo as commissioner. She took over from Janet Mifsud in June 2010. Before she was appointed as Commissioner, Bartolo, who worked with the UHM, Kullhadd reports how she had interviewed for the position of Executive Director, but jihad palced in second. Therese Bugeja was chosen.

Kullhadd says that after this became known, Cristina appointed her as Commissioner, a position that ranks higher than the Executive Director, despite being a politically appointed office with greater responsibility and lower wage.

However, when Bugeja - appointed as Executive Director - resigned a few weeks ago, Kullhadd reports how Bartolo also chose to resign, and took up duties as the Commissioner’s new Executive Director.

In its report, Kullhadd said how this incident was kept concealed, having come to light only following a series of parliamentary questions. It added that individuals with pending discrimination cases are hoping that a new Commissioner will be appointed swiftly, so that justice can be done without further delays.