Gozo Channel delays: Minister says no strike, but workers did not report to work

Gozo Channel passengers faced a series of delays on Thursday (today) after mooring men failed to report to work.

A number of drivers and passengers were left waiting in the sun for as long as two hours as the ferries arrived at the harbour but then turned back, leaving without any passengers onboard.

Some said that they have elderly people and babies with them, raising concerns about their well-being in the summer heat.

The unofficial strike took place just two days before Mnarja, a national holiday that often sees many residents travel to Gozo.

In a post on Thursday afternoon, Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri said that some mooring men, out of their own initiative and without the backing of industrial action, failed to report to work or refused to do their job.

He stated that this is to the detriment of both Gozo Channel and its clients.

“Gozo Channel will be taking disciplinary action against these workers,” Minister Camilleri added.

He proceeded to thank workers who do not have the duty to moor ships, yet opted to take on the task to solve the issue and help service return to normal.