GWU declares industrial dispute with Enemalta

The General Workers' Union yesterday declared an industrial dispute with Enemalta after two workers were suspended in what the union said was a breach of the collective agreement.

Enemalta wanted to transfer two workers without explanation, the union said, adding that it would consider action to protect the workers' rights. The union said Enemalta's aim was to create a direct conflict with the GWU because of its issue regarding the water and electricity rates.

In a counter-statement, Enemalta said the industrial dispute was unfounded and was just an attempt to hinder the management from running the company in its clients' interests.

Enemalta said the two employees had simply been "legitimately directed" by management to report for work in new offices, doing the same work they were doing and under the same kind of supervision.

"All action taken by the corporation was legal and according to the collective agreement," Enemalta said, denying that this was a transfer.

It said that when the workers refused the order and the GWU came out to defend them, the management was left with no choice but to suspend the employees until they agreed to the instructions issued.