Trailers parking dispute resolved

The parking of port workers' trailers in the Container Depot in Hal Far and police action against the drivers sparked off a dispute between the Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU and Malta Industrial Parks Co.

Following a meeting between the two sides together with the police, a parcel of land was allocated to serve as a parking area for the trailers.

Attending the talks were representatives of the Office of the Prime Minister and Police Commissioner John Rizzo.

The issue arose after the police started removing trailers parked at Hal Far.

The GRTU insisted that the transport of containers on trailers was an essential part of the export/import activity and therefore the authorities were obliged to provide adequate space near the ports where trailers can park.

The GRTU said it was convinced that the problem arose because available space at Hal Far was being allotted for other activities unrelated to industry and the ports.

The chamber said it was decided during the talks that the police would stop their actions and allow enough time for the trailers to be taken to the site indicated as a parking lot for the trailers.

The new site is near the Container Depot and the port workers yesterday started removing the trailers from the old parking site to the new one.