A number of workers at Malta Shipyards downed tools yesterday and were sent home after they protested when five of them were apparently first told to report for overtime and later called to stay at home.

The workers claimed that although foreign workers were allowed to work overtime, first preference should have gone to the Maltese.

In a rather mild statement, the General Workers Union said nothing should be done that makes workers angry.

In reply, Malta Shipyards claimed the unofficial industrial action was in breach of the collective agreement and that the organisation of work and overtime was made necessary by the competitive market the yard operates in, adding that the management was fully conscious of the enduring need to control costs and improve quality and efficiency. The only way to affect the morale of the workers positively was by obtaining further orders while actions such as yesterday morning’s are “the worst contribution” the shipyard workers can give.