Strike Affects Malta Shipbuilding

Thousands of striking workers demonstrated in Malta's capital on Friday, Reuters reported, against tax increases and major shipyards were hit by the industrial action. Malta Drydocks, Malta Shipbuilding and Malta Freeport were among companies hit by stoppages after the General Workers' Union called on all workers to go on strike. Union general secretary Tony Zarb told the opposition's Super One radio that the union was very satisfied with the turnout. During the demonstration, attended by thousands in Valletta's main street, Zarb presented a petition signed by 78,600 people to Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami calling on the government to ease financial burdens on workers. The demonstration was the highlight of a campaign called "Enough is enough" launched following the budget speech last year after the government increased income tax to middle income workers and imposed VAT on fuel and telephones.