The General Workers’ Union’s Professionals, Finance and Services Section yesterday appealed to visiting UK Minister for Europe David Lidington to investigate allegations against the British High Commission in Malta and said it was making itself available to provide further information.

The section said the high commission was found in default by an industrial tribunal in three cases, and by the Court of Appeal in one case.

The GWU is accusing the high commission of planning to prejudice the union’s position of representation, saying among others that the high commission planned to revoke the union’s recognition just two days after the shop steward and deputy shop steward were made redundant, and just after the high commission chose also to make redundant the driver with the most seniority, while retaining another driver.

The GWU said the British High Commission has in the past five years made the following redundant – five security officers, one gardener, one butler, two employees from the commercial section, two employees from the corporate section, one driver, and four employees in the British Pensions Office. It also abruptly terminated a definite contract of employment of an employee in the Consular Section.