GWU suspends Freeport industrial action

The General Workers’ Union has suspended its industrial action for a go-slow and work-to-rule at the Malta Freeport following development over union recognition.

On Saturday, the GWU ordered a go-slow and work to rule, over verification of which trade union represents the majority of workers.  Describing the industrial action as “premature and unnecessary,” the Freeport said that it could hold the union responsible for damages running into hundreds of thousands of euro that may be caused by the industrial action.

The Freeport also said that workers should be represented by the trade union that enjoys the support of the majority – the Union Haddiema Maqghudin (UHM). It also said that industrial action should have been ordered once a dispute with it did not exist, and held that the union should seek a compromise – rather than an industrial action.

The GWU explained that after it engaged in discussions, the industrial action has been suspended. It also said that a meeting is due tomorrow, during which all parties are expected to be involved for a compromise to be reached.