MGR. GONZI BACKED STRIKERS

ARCHBISHOP Gonzi supported
the 15.000 dockyard workers of Malta in their strike against the Admiralty and Defence Services, which was called off on Sunday to he followed by high-level discussions.
Mgr. Gonzi had ordered prayers in all the churches for a peaceful settlement of the dispute, and gave a lead by contributing £200 to a fund to help needy strikers.
Early in January the Malta Arbitration Tribunal awarded an increase in wages to Malta Government employees represented by the General Workers' Union and other unions. The Admiralty offered only 10s. instead of the 14s. granted by the tribunal.
Mgr. Gonzi expressed to the First Lord of the Admiralty. the Governor of Malta and the Admiral Superintendent of Malta Dockyard the hope that the Services would grant the same increase.
The parish priests of Malta assembled in the Governor's Palace for the yearly presentation of candles as a sign of allegiance to the Queen, asked the Governor to continue to work for a satisfactory settlement of the workers' problems.
The secretary of the G.W.U. in his instructions to strikers declared: " Our fight may be lengthy. We must start firmly but calmly, lest we get out of breath before the end. We shall win with the help of Divine Providence and your cooperation."