Representatives of constituted bodies and industrial relations lawyers have issued a joint statement to express their solidarity with Dr Noel Vella, Director of Industrial & Employment Relations, following uncalled-for remarks made about him in a section of the media in connection with the exercise of his private practice.

The statement was signed by Malta Union of Teachers president John Bencini, industrial relations lawyer Andrew Borg Cardona, Malta Employers Association director-general Joseph Farrugia, General Workers Union deputy general secretary Geitu Mercieca, Confederation of Malta Trade Unions president William Portelli and Union Haddiema Maghqudin secretary-general Gejtu Vella. “We have always found Dr Vella to be available, pro-active and eager to assist in solving industrial disputes that are brought to his attention and he has never shown even the slightest hint of any conflict of interest between his official duties and his professional practice”, the statement said.