The union was answering Investments, IT and Industry Minister Austin Gatt who on Wednesday said that during its restructuring, Gozo Channel had kept all its workers employed with it except those who chose to leave the company.

The union said this was only half the truth as the restructuring meant that Onboard Services Ltd did not have its contract renewed. This company used to operate the cafeterias on board Gozo Channel’s vessels, employing 30 Gozitans. In its reply, the ministry said it did not appreciate it being labelled as having said only a half-truth.

Dr Gatt, in his comments to the press, explained that no one from Gozo Channel Limited had been forced to leave the company during the restructuring programme. He had also explained that one item in this programme had been the non-renewal of the contract for onboard catering.

Contrary to what may have been suggested by the UHM, the company in question, Onboard Services, is no subsidiary of Gozo Channel and its employees are therefore neither directly nor indirectly employed with Gozo Channel