UHM hits back at employers' arguments

The Union Haddiema Maghqudin insisted yesterday that the provisions of the Employment and Industrial Relations Bill would not raise costs that would hinder foreign investment or harm the competitiveness of the Maltese industrial, tourism and commercial sectors.

The union was replying to a statement issued by employer organisations.

The union observed that while the employer organisations said they agreed with the introduction of occupational health and safety provisions, they were at the same time complaining that such measures involved costs.

The union said the employers' statement also gave the impression of a lack of vision and commitment regarding health and safety and environment protection matters.

The union also referred to the employers' criticism regarding leave and public holidays, saying that the long history of success of Maltese and foreign companies in Malta severely weakened the employers' arguments.

The union said it also disagreed with the arguments and the comparisons made with inferior minimum wages abroad, saying employers knew well enough that progress was made only when comparisons were made with countries which were better off.

Malta's competitiveness could not be based on low wages or a lack of health and safety and environment protection measures.