The absolute majority of workers at One Productions Limited, operators of Super One radio and television, yesterday did not approve a revision of the collective agreement that was negotiated by the General Workers’ Union and the company management.

In a statement the union said that the agreement covers the period January 2005 to December 2006 and included changes in work practices, a restructuring of the company operations and other measures aimed to improve the company’s financial position.

These measures were to be introduced on 1 July and had to be revised in 18 months’ time. During this year, the company bound itself to invest in new equipment leading to a digital system, the union said.

The collective agreement was explained to the employees by Karmenu Vella, GWU services and media secretary. He said that the agreement was being drawn up in extraordinary circumstances that reflect the precarious financial situation of radio and television stations.

He said that during the discussions, it resulted that unless urgent measures were taken to reduce the company’s expenditure and increase income, it would not be possible for the company to guarantee employment for its workers and to make the necessary investment to remain competitive.

Mr Vella said that in the circumstances it committed itself to see that employees are hurt the least possible and at the same time guarantee their employment.

After a long discussion, 25 of the 27 employees present for the meeting voted, in secret, against the proposed agreement.

After the meeting, Mr Vella, together with shop stewards Miriam Dalli and Mario Farrugia, met Michael Vella Haber and Etienne St John, managing director and senior manager respectively.

Mr Vella requested the company to re-open negotiations to deal with the employees’ objections.

The company however said it was not prepared to do so, and insisted that the package offered was indispensable for the company to find a sound financial footing and to invest.

The managing director said that by Monday the company would be informing the union of measures it will be taken in the interest of both the company and its employees. These measures could include redundancies, the union added.

The union insisted that the management should honour the existing collective agreement, and will continue to request that negotiations are re-opened.