Hundreds of Gozo government workers told not to make crossing over storm fears

Updated at 5.40pm with Association of Gozitan Employees in Malta statement. 

Hundreds of Gozitan government workers have been told to stay home on Thursday as the civil service fears a storm may disrupt the ferry service and leave them stranded.

Mario Cutajar, the principal permanent secretary, told Times of Malta that he had issued instructions for Gozitan government workers not to cross over to Malta on Thursday morning. 

Where possible the employees are to work remotely. 

The decision was taken as a precautionary measure for fear that a forecasted storm could lead to a suspension of the Gozo Channel ferry service and leave workers stranded. 

The ferry operator on Wednesday warned of possible disruption to its service. Photo: Gozo Channel Operations Ltd.

'We learnt from past storms'

“We learnt from past experiences that it is best, when there is a major storm forecast, to consult the ferry company, the meteorological office, and the Civil Protection Department, on what steps should be taken,” Cutajar said. 

While he could not give an exact figure for how many workers would not be reporting for work, Cutajar said there were “hundreds” of Gozitan workers who would be affected.