A court ruled today that UHM Voice of the Workers is the recognised union at the Malta Freeport.

The UHM and the General Workers Union were squabbling over recognition ever since the former won the majority, but not half, of votes in an election.

The GWU argued that, in terms of the collective agreement, a union had to win 50% +1 of the vote to be declared as the recognised union.

The case was decided by Mr Justice Laurence Mintoff. The UHM said in a statement that the court had recognized its legitimacy as representative union, just like the Director of Works and the Freeport management had done. UHM Voice of the Workers said the General Workers Union’s position was illogical and pointless.

It said it will now begin negotiations with the management on a new collective agreement.