Prime Minister ‘hopes for a positive outcome’ between BA workers and Chairperson Tanya Borg Cardona

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat “hopes for a positive outcome after open consultation with [Broadcasting Authority] workers,” an OPM spokesperson said in reply to questions sent by The Malta Independent on Sunday on the conflict they have registered with the authority’s chairperson.

This newsroom this week reported on an open letter sent to Dr Muscat regarding the Broadcast Authority (BA) Chairperson Tanya Borg Cardona’s allegedly controversial and terse management style that is said to be making for a hostile working environment.

Ms Borg Cardona’s “difficult” character “sometimes manifests itself in intimidation and bullying with the staff and the management,” UĦM Voice of the Workers said in a statement this week.

The union said “both staff and management are finding it very difficult and too stressful to work with Ms Borg Cardona. There is so much stress and they are feeling so overwhelmed, that it is not allowing them to concentrate and do their job properly.”

The UĦM added that “all BA workers are frustrated and as a result of this decided to write a letter to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.” In this letter they expressed their concern on the way the current chairperson is behaving.

Asked what Dr Muscat intends to do in view of the allegations, and whether he has spoken to any workers from the BA, his spokesperson said that:

“The Broadcasting Authority is an autonomous Constitutional body. Government does not interfere in the running of the BA.”

Efforts to contact Ms Borg Cardona proved futile as she is currently indisposed.

In the letter, which was submitted in the form of a signed petition, the workers stressed that since the BA has been under Ms Borg Cardona’s leadership, the work has suffered a “big blow.” According to workers, “Ms Borg Cardona has absolutely no idea about the field of broadcasting and, having been at the helm for the past 13 months, she has contributed nothing to protect and promote broadcasting law.”

The workers said that, unfortunately, the BA has been left without any vision or plans for the future, especially now that general election is approaching.

The UĦM highlighted how in the workers’ letter to the Prime Minister, it was said that the chairperson often publically stated that she does not care about what the Constitution says, and neither is she updated on laws and regulations.

In the same letter, BA workers explained how the chairperson took the decision to transfer the BA from its existing buildings on Mile End Road, Hamrun – which is a house that has been developed according to the requirements of the BA – to the new site in Valletta, which it rents, is restricted and inadequate for the needs of the Authority. It was said that the board members were also kept in the dark regarding the new premises.

Anger has also been expressed at the lack of appreciation shown.

UĦM, relaying what it was told by the workers, said that “the BA has many people who are, competent and intelligent, are discouraged and their motivation is being systematically slaughtered.”

“The Chairperson’s relationship with us workers is non-ex- istent,” a worker reportedly said.

UĦM said that BA workers are saying that “uncertainty has reigned in the authority ever since Ms Borg Cardona became chairperson.”

In the letter the Prime Minister was asked to take over this issue and address it in order to make the necessary decisions for the Authority to get back on track, function effectively and above all to give workers back the dignity and respect they deserve.

Ms Borg Cardona was appointed BA Chairperson a year ago and she replaced Mr Anthony J Tabone.