Finance, Investment and Economy Minister Tonio Fenech described yesterday’s meeting with General Workers Union representatives on the privatisation of the Malta Shipyards as “very cordial” and another meeting to continue the discussions is to be held in the near future.

The GWU had accepted Mr Fenech’s invitation for a meeting to discuss the issue of the shipyard’s privatisation, including the early retirement schemes proposed by the government as a way of reducing the 1,700-strong workforce.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, which lasted just over two hours, GWU secretary general Tony Zarb said the union and the government both explained the issues at stake and said that more needs to be discussed in a future meeting.

However, Mr Zarb did not say when the next meeting will take place.

“The government spoke about its vision for the privatisation while the union expressed its concerns on the issue,” Minister Fenech said.

However, the minister said that further discussions will be held but as yet no date has been set.

“It is important that everyone’s interests are taken care of, including the government’s. Both sides are ready to discuss the privatisation process which is in the country’s best interest,” said Mr Fenech.