Only promise what you can deliver, Zarb tells parties

General Workers' Union general secretary Tony Zarb yesterday said the political parties should only promise what they could deliver.

Speaking in a meeting between Alternattiva Demokratika and the GWU, Mr Zarb warned that after the election, whichever party is elected to power, the GWU would be insisting that the government will fulfil its promises.

"Whoever makes electoral promises should make their calculations," Mr Zarb warned.

AD chairman Harry Vassallo said his party appreciated the GWU's contribution to the achievement of workers' rights over the years. Although the two organisations did not agree on issues such as EU membership, there were various areas on which they could co-operate for the benefit of workers.

Dr Vassallo explained AD's electoral proposals on industrial relations, contained in its manifesto Nifs Gdid, Nifs Nadif.

"AD believes that all workers, including women and part-timers, should enjoy the same rights. The worst-hit in terms of job conditions in part-time employment are women, who are already disadvantaged in the world of work," he said.

AD believed that all part-time workers should be entitled to all benefits on a pro-rata basis according to working hours.

It believed in affirmative action as well as measures to enhance gender equality and female participation in the world of work, such as the introduction of day-care centres through public-private partnerships.

"There should be no discrimination against female workers or part-timers," Dr Vassallo said.