Several Gozitan workers and students were stranded on Gozo this morning because of a strike by Gozo Channel workers on a busy Monday morning, the Gozo University Group (GUG) said.
“As we sympathize with the Gozo Channel workers and understand that there may have been several issues for which a strike was justifiable, we as a Gozitan organization think that such situations should be handled with more care and responsibility by those who ordered the strike. This strike took place during a very busy morning, when many Gozitan workers and students travel to the mother island for work or school. This left many Gozitans stuck in Gozo and shifting their busy schedule by hours,” the group said in a statement.
GUG said that, in similar situations, such preparation and timing for a strike should be handled with more reasonable care and responsibility.
“Traveling with the Gozo Channel ferries is the only method for any Gozitan who works or studies in Malta. It would be very much appreciated if the general public is informed beforehand if a strike would be taking place, so that those in need to travel would not be surprised with no service.”
In a statement issued a few minutes later, the ferry company said it was informed late on Sunday evening that there would be industrial action.
It said that although there were some delays in the morning, the situation later returned to normal. Discussions between the company and the relevant union are underway.