It almost sounds as if their concern is that the abuse was exposed and publicized rather than the fact that it was going on.

“The Malta Chamber condemns this recently exposed case of abuse as it fears it might tarnish the reputation of the local manufacturing industry as well as business in general. ”

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2014-10-30/local-news/Leisure-Clothing-Malta-Chamber-welcomes-action-against-workers-abuse-and-exploitation-6736124675

I recall that outside presence wasn’t appreciated inside the factory, but I put that – in those days – down to cultural differences.

Who specifically gave a thought as to which jurisdiction the rights of those Chinese came under in those days, when freedom of information was not as accessible? On the back of the Chinese / Mintoff agreements?

I would have thought that with our EU accession, at the very least, it would be the entities sub-contracting to Leisure Clothing that had an insight as to what was happening there, or those Maltese assisting in its management.

Whereas especially upon EU access, other established manufacturers in Malta called the Health department on new entrants and competitors on any imaginable pretext, the situation here has obviously slipped through the net.

The situation, should have been under the overview duty and jurisdiction of Malta Enterprise.

At some point, should it not have been Wenzu Mintoff’s concern to check and report on the reality of conditions in this factory?

If not his then who, at each phase, would workers’ and factory conditions have fallen under?

In terms of other agencies having an official interest in these workers, would such workers now fall under “uprooted?”

Are they “free to leave”? Do they get any form of immediate compensation by the company for their hardship so as to guarantee a minimum amount and level of freedom? Who is representing them?

I wouldn’t be surprised if Bortex, the client, imposed terms and conditions knowingly.

Leisure Clothing in this case must be considered as just a subcontractor, and do we know who’ll get all the blame.

Perhaps Lino Spiteri might care to investigate the workings at Bortex.