MEPA workers protest against odours at Hexagon House

Walking from the Hexagon House in Marsa all the way to the MEPA head office in Floriana, the MEPA employees complained about the health repercussions caused by the noxious smells.

It is believed that the noxious smells are coming from a nearby waste oils plant, whilst workers said the stench could also come from the ships. However, addressing the media last week, Opposition environment spokesman Leo Brincat had said it was highly impossible the smells were coming from the ships since ships come and go but the stench does not.

Led by representatives of the union, who stressed that they were sent home 50 times in the past two years due to the unbearable smells, the workers complained that the stench was not only unbearable but it was causing headaches, eye and throat soreness and pimples.

Present at the protest was also Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin (UĦM) Secretary General Gejtu Vella who phoned up members of the management. He said it was ironic that workers of the MEPA environment section themselves were complaining about the poor environment.

Following the protest, the union leaders held a meeting with the management whilst the MEPA workers were once again told to go home with those who could not work from home were granted a special day of paid leave.

This afternoon, a meeting will be held between the MEPA management, the trade union leaders and the Director of Industrial Relations.