The Chemical, Energy and Printing Section of the General Workers’ Union yesterday said it was disappointed that that it had been asked to attend a meeting on the future of Enemalta’s Gas Division when the announcement had already been made public.

The GWU, which represents the majority of the workers at the Gas Division, said that the government held no talks before taking decisions. The union accused the government of not embarking on a path of social dialogue. It said that people working at the Gas Division had a right to be informed about their future with Enemalta.

The GWU said it was not fair that the workers had to get to know about the division’s privatisation through the media.

The union said the workers should have been informed in advance because the law stipulates that they are provided with information and consulted before a decision is made public.

In a counter-statement, the government said that it had expressed its intention to commercialise the bottling and distribution of gas way back in November.

The Investment, Industry and IT Ministry reminded the GWU that its honest contribution in privatisation processes was needed to safeguard the interests of the workers.

It added that the GWU will be adequately informed and consulted about developments on the matter.