In a judgement passed on 15 May, the Industrial Tribunal ruled that those workers employed with Kalaxlokk but transferred to contract work, are to be compensated for the extra hours worked when compared to those workers who remained with the company. It ruled that these workers are also to be compensated for the vacation leave days which were unjustly reduced from their entitlement during 2004. These leave days are to be added to the entitlement for 2006, the tribunal said.

In a statement, the General Workers’ Union said the tribunal decided that there was no doubt that workers were to observe the applicable working hours on the job. These hours were to be based on a 40-hour week spread over five days all year round except in August when half days were applicable, this being described by the tribunal as a guaranteed benefit.

It said that the workers who were involved, although obliged to observe the stipulated working conditions, should not be discriminated against in comparison with other company workers who were assigned to work in areas where they could benefit from half days.

On the reduction of leave, the tribunal stated that the termination of work was the responsibility of the company. In fact, as the said workers did not use part of their leave in connection with the shutdown, it is fair that the company reduces those days of leave for that period of stoppage but no other leave should be reduced over and above.

In its judgement, the tribunal said that those workers sent to work with a contractor and who co-operate are not to be discriminated against.

The GWU was represented by Dr Aaron Mifsud Bonnici and Dr Marvic Debarro together with Metal and Construction Section Secretary Charles Agius.