Workers' participation at Malta Drydocks : end of a saga?

Abstract

Throughout its colonial history, Malta has been ruled by a succession of powers that tried to exploit its strategic position in the middle of the Mediterranean. To the inhabitants of an island that lacks any exploitable natural resources, being subjected to the rule of a foreign power seemed to be fore-ordained. This fostered a culture of fatalism and a sense of powerlessness among the Maltese since their destiny was tied to the designs and policies of the colonial power governing the island (Zammit, 1984). Being a naval power, the British (1800-1964) developed a naval dockyard during their rule and improved the berthing facilities of the island's main harbour.