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GWU files protest over alleged asbestos exposure

May 23, 2007 | Staff | Malta Media

The General Workers Union (GWU) filed a judiciary protest against the Malta Shipyards after a number of workers complained they were allegedly exposed to asbestos while on duty. In its protest the union called on the shipyard to ensure that the workers do not come in contact with the dangerous material at any cost.  

The GWU added that workers who have effectively been exposed to the asbestos are to be compensated for any illnesses they develop in the future.    

The protest, which referred to a number of complaints the union received from its members, was presented by Lawyer Dr Aaron Mifsud Bonnici.  

The union said it wrote to the Malta Shipyards management to voice its members concerns; however it said it was told that "a little risk throughout the course of such work is acceptable".  

In a letter addressed to GWU, the shipyard denied that the workers are being exposed to situations through which they could fall seriously ill.  

The protest also notes that the Malta Shipyards has not addressed its workers worries and has not assumed responsibility in the case that workers start showing symptoms of illness derived from asbestos.