The statement said that the Ministry was not making particular reference to the company, which is a subsidiary of the General Workers’ Union, but rather to all companies that are involved in port work or offer port services.

The ministry said that a representative from the company was present for meetings on the reform and they therefore know perfectly well that all associated in the port sector were involved and not just that company.

The ministry statement stressed that government’s foremost intention was always to safeguard workers’ incomes. The ministry said that it never intended to point a finger at Cargo Handling Ltd but, like on previous occasions, to look at the whole the system and to see where reform was needed.

Minister Censu Galea said that as always, he was ready to meet all those concerned to explain the situation. Mr Galea said government was committed to implementing the reforms, adding that the time for never-ending discussion was over and now it was time for action to be taken in the best interest of the whole of the country