The General Workers' Union yesterday launched a two-pronged campaign against the industrial tribunal by instituting two constitutional applications arguing that the industrial tribunal was denying it the right to a fair hearing, and by also writing to Social Policy Minister John Dalli, who is responsible for industrial relations.

A free and impartial industrial tribunal, the union argued with Mr Dalli, was an essential tool for upholding industrial peace.

The GWU said it had for long been considering the way the tribunal acted and it was seriously concerned about the tribunal's constitution and composition, especially about its impartiality, and especially in cases where the union was in conflict with parastatal bodies.

It added a tribunal reform was urgently needed and asked Mr Dalli to give its complaint priority. It was prepared to meet Mr Dalli and his officials to offer its cooperation in the reforms needed, it said.

One of the union's complaints relates to the condition imposed on the tribunal to take into consideration the government's social and economic policy in handing down judgements. This, the union argues, makes it impossible for the tribunal to decide objectively.

Another point the union is making is that the legislation setting up the industrial tribunal does not ensure its impartiality and independence because those sitting on it do not have security of tenure.

The constitutional applications presented yesterday, relating to two cases the union has at the tribunal, were signed by lawyer Aron Mifsud Bonnici.