Broadcasting Authority chair rebuts staff bullying claims

The Broadcasting Authority has moved to deny claims that its chairperson Tanya Borg Cardona frequently bullies and insults her staff.

In a statement, the BA insisted that the allegations against Borg Cardona were false and the result of “a lack of understanding or communication between individuals in the Authority”.

“The BA’s aim has always been to improve the quality of broadcasting, the Authority itself and its employees,” it said. “We categorically deny all allegations of irregularities and are reserving our right in this regard.”

The BA also urged the aggrieved workers to engage in a mediation process so as to resolve all disagreements.   

Broadcasting Authority workers on Tuesday went on a one-hour strike to pressure Borg Cardona to step down from the post.

Union Haddiema Maghqudin president Josef Vella told a press conference outside the BA building that there was a clear problem with the management, and that workers were suffering at their expense.

He hit out at the BA’s management, accusing it of creating a work environment that was not conducive to a healthy workplace where workers can carry out their work serenely. Vella pointed out that while employees were being told they were extra, the BA was paying Borg Cardona €6,000 a year for her to use her car, all while the authority had its own car and was leasing a second.

“It is particularly concerning, especially when one takes into consideration the important role carried out by the Broadcasting Authority, now more than ever. The country is gearing up for an election and the authority’s work is invaluable to the nation,” Vella said.

The BA workers are also opposing a move from their current Hamrun offices to Valletta, where office space is significantly smaller than their current place.