Presenting the Port Workers Ordinance Amendment Bill, Minister for Competitiveness and Communications Censu Galea explained how this Bill would increase the efficiency of our ports, bringing into effect certain clauses within the agreement between the Malta Maritime Authority and the Malta Dockers Union. “We wanted to ensure that merchant shipping is a top notch industry on the island, and thus how it is administered and managed is important; hence the focus upon those who do this work.”

Elaborating upon provisions within the Bill, the Minister highlighted the port workers' responsibilities when on the job, what their working hours are, how their shifts are detailed, and what their income is - in this regard it is being envisaged that the trans-shipment workload will increase - last year over 1.5 million merchant loads were managed.

The amendments also regard disputes that may arise, appeals being made by all parties, to the Port Work Board; and insurance that will cover port workers, due to the dangerous nature of their job. Furthermore, the Bill stipulates that if there are not enough workers, not only will the first male or female port worker's child be able to enter the trade, but others will be able to take on training - a call for which will be made soon. It is assured that training will be ongoing, so workers will be in a position to keep up to date with the workload in all loading ports on the Islands.

Minister Galea went on to explain how port entrance fees shall be reduced, some of which being totally waived. This, it is hoped, will reflect in a reduction in the prices of imported products for the consumer, citing commercial vehicles as an example.

In a strong opposition to the 'developments' mentioned, Labour's main spokesman for Infrastructural Services, Joe Mizzi, said that although we have been blessed with an advantageous geographical position, this government is not making full use of it.

Regarding the aforementioned agreement, which the MP said he did not oppose, Mr Mizzi said the port employees' work had not been recognised. The agreement focuses on lower prices, yet, he asked, who shall this benefit?

The only positive development that took place in our ports, Mr Mizzi said, was the passenger terminal, which, he said, is being controlled by the private sector; same as with berthing control near the silo. There are certain pontoons, he added, that are not even being used. Even with regard to safety, little to nothing has been done, he lamented. “This is what brings in growth and work increase; this is what change and reform is about.”

Speaking about the Valletta Waterfront and how it is being used, at times without permits and in an illegal manner, to the detriment of other people, Mr Mizzi pointed out that there are large vessels being used for boat parties which end in the early hours of the morning, in breach of the law. Even in situations wherein change has been effected with EU funding, it has been done wrongly and inappropriately.

“If you do not ensure stability, security and all-round efficiency, then no reform can take place. Only when these things are guaranteed will shipping operators want to invest and berth in our ports. We have the facilities and we give good service, yet the rest, due to the government, is all lacking.”

He went on to mention cases where abuse and arrogance are rife - in the case of ship attendants who work illegally and without experience; shipping licences that are granted through bribery; cases of “I scratch your back, you scratch mine.”

“The Maritime Authority should be investigated. These abuses have been going on for the past 10 years.” At this point, a heated argument broke out between Mr Mizzi and Minister Galea.

Taking the floor, MLP spokesman for the interior Gavin Gulia, said that he had a personal interest in this Bill, and more so in the agreement between the government and the Dockers' Union - “I am representing the ex-port workers and their heirs, in a court case relating to the Pensions and Contingency Fund.” He recounted how this situation came about, the fund being one to which both former and current port workers contributed; a fund which acted like an insurance policy for them and their heirs. “This must be rectified, and justice must be served.”

Minister Galea had made reference to this in his intervention, saying that the allocation of this fund has changed and an arrangement has been made for money being owed to the port workers in arrears. The debate on this Bill is set to continue tomorrow.

In a motion at the beginning of the session, Dr Sant asked that Dr Gonzi give a Ministerial address, as he had promised, regarding the opening of the Mater Dei Hospital. There was an argument on the appropriate time for this address. Dr Sant explained why he had asked for the Ministerial address, stating that is was promised three years ago - “launch celebrations have taken place, and yet no proper explanation has been given as to the spending, planning and future strategy.”

Further to this, Minister Galea moved to put the third reading of the Medicines Amendment Bill to the vote. The motion was unanimously accepted.