Alternattiva Demokratika -The Green Party has expressed its solidarity with Shipyards workers who are feeling uncertainity as regards their future.

Spokesperson for Social and Economic Development Michael Briguglio said, "It is ironic that whilst Government is speaking about the contribution of ageing workers to society, the same government is aiming to dispose of such workers through retirement schemes. If workers are surplus to the Shipyards' requirements, they can be involved in productive jobs such as those concerned with the creation of alternative energy sources or, alternatively for technical work with local councils, parastatal companies or other governmental agencies. The State also has an important role to play in the provision of retraining schemes were necessary."

Chairperson Prof Arnold Cassola added, "AD believes that all Shipyard workers should be in employment. Whilst we are not against retirement schemes and whilst we believe that these should be available for those who need them, at the same time we emphasise that those who do not remain with Malta Shipyards should be re-engaged in productive ways by both the public and private sectors. We urge the Government and the GWU to work hand in hand in this regard so as to create proactive solutions to ensure that all workers are in employment."