In a statement issued yesterday, UHM assistant secretary-general Joe Grillo said there were rumours that restructuring at Gozo Channel would mean reducing crew members on vessels to 11 from 15.

The union said it was surprised because a parliamentary question was answered saying that Gozo Channel justified the number of crew on boats because it was in line with the Solas (safety of life at sea) and the IMO Convention.

The UHM said it will not accept any changes unless there is agreement to do so. It warned that industrial action could be ordered, including stopping the ferry service.