The UHM in a statement this afternoon, has said that directives again came into force this morning for workers who are employed by contractors on the Gozo Channel ferries.

UHM said that it ordered these workers not to clean the toilet areas on board, berth ships in harbour and not to go down to the garage decks. It insisted however that “the intent of the directives was not to stop the ferry service.”

The Union went on to say that it has taken the action one again “because these workers do the same job as those employed by Gozo Channel employees, but are paid less and have very different working conditions.”

The Union pointed out that a conciliation meeting that was to be held on the 5th of October, was cancelled and an effort was made without agreement to find another date.

However, the UHM said, to date there has been no answer or conclusion reached on the situation of these employees.

The Union said that it insisted on Sunday the 14th of October as being the last chance to reach a decision, as this was not the case, it ordered the directives to come into effect from this morning.

UHM concluded by saying that its officials are offering to cancel all their appointments for Tuesday, so that a conciliation meeting can be held with a view to a decision. “In case there is no confirmation from other parties, it is possible that the directives will continue.”

Photograph: Alain Salvary

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