Not with a bang, but a whimper: 150 years of history drew to a close yesterday with the end of the Dockyard
Karl Stagno-Navarra The Malta Shipyard gates were officially closed yesterday, ending 200 years of an era that marked the island as a naval hub.
The closure of the yard was revealed by MaltaToday three weeks ago, leading government to speed up its negotiations with the General Workers Union for a smooth transition towards the termination of employment of the remaining 60 workers who had initially refused a lump sum offer.
It is estimated that over the last 20 years, the Malta Shipyards had absorbed over €1 billion in State-aid.
Just one worker has reportedly accepted the renewed offer, while the rest have all accepted government’s invitation to enroll within the IPSL, an entity created to absorb redundant state employees and relocate them to local councils or other companies.
At 2.30 pm the last workers were seen leaving the Shipyards gates in Ghajn Dwieli - some with tears in their eyes – hoping for a better future.
While the gates were shut, access will be granted only to a handful of workers in the employ of the Super Yachts facility on the other end of the Shipyards, which is still under operation.
While government intends to liquidate Malta Shipyards on April 5, the House of Representatives will next month be called to approve the transfer of its assets to Neapolitan firm Palumbo SpA
The Italian company, has refused to retain the ‘yards workers, and is expected to take over the shipyard on a 30-year, €90m lease before the summer.
Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said the company is expected to initially employ 250 workers.
Meanwhile, GWU secretary-general Tony Zarb paid tribute to dockyard workers while celebrating Freedom Day at Vittoriosa and laying a wreath of flowers at the foot of the March 31 monument in Xatt ir-Rizq.
Tony Zarb paid tribute to the workers who lost their lives while at work at the Dockyard over the years.
He underlined the role played by the GWU in helping Malta achieve its freedom, and said this milestone in Malta’s history had enabled the country to forge ahead and grow economically.
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