MEA lambasts court’s recommendation to reinstate Gozo Channel employees

The Malta Employers Association (MEA) has cautioned that a court sentence ordered the reinstatement of two Gozo Channel employees found guilty of stealing €355 from the company.

Calling it a “ridiculous and unprecedented” decision, the association said that the decision can create a very dangerous precedent and send a wrong message to employees in Malta and Gozo.

“The gravity of the recommendation by the magistrate is even more pronounced given that the employees are to be reinstated in their previous post, which includes cash handling,” they said, stressing their support of the police in their efforts to appeal this error of judgement.

Back in September, George Zammit and Raymond Borg, known as ix-Xitan, were caught on CCTV footage selling used ferry tickets and keeping the money they made. According to investigations, the men had pocketed some €355 a day, and they admitted to theft, promising to refund the money.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud, discharged the men on condition that they did not break the law again for three years. Mifsud also recommended that they should be reinstated by Gozo Channel.

MaltaToday is informed that Gozo Channel are legally not able to lodge an appeal, because they did not request to be admitted to the case as provided by the Criminal Code.

No Gozo Channel representatives were asked to be legally represented in the case.

The police presented a notification of appeal through Superintendet Antonello Grech, which means it will be the Attorney General to decide whether or not to appeal the case.