GWU orders action at Maltapost

Maltapost has warned that mail distribution at Luqa and the Marsa Industrial Estate may be disrupted after the General Workers' Union yesterday ordered industrial action at the postal company.

Maltapost said payment of bills would not be accepted at a number of branch post offices as a result of the action.

The GWU's directives have been condemned by the Union Haddiema Maghqudin, which acquired sole recognition for Maltapost employees last October.

The GWU action follows a number of directives issued by the GWU because it said the Office of the Prime Minister denied that Maltapost had been privatised.

The union said it had given the government an ultimatum to declare this in writing, but it was never forthcoming.

The GWU also expressed concern over the agreement reached with the UHM under which the government committed itself to take responsibility for 160 Maltapost employees to allow for a smooth restructuring at the postal company.

"This agreement may be dangerous because in future it may not be recognised by the government and the OPM's management and personnel office," the union said.

The UHM union section secretary for manufacturing services and allied workers, Joe Morana said the GWU's directives were "unethical".

"It is irresponsible of the GWU to take this action at such a delicate time when we are in negotiations with the government. Their directives will only be to the detriment of workers," he said.

Mr Morana said the UHM yesterday met Finance Minister John Dalli to discuss the pending issues at the postal company.

"During this meeting it was established that the UHM's proposals could offer the basis of a final solution to this long-running issue," he said.

Both sides agreed to continue the discussions in the coming days.