MUT calls for debate on pensions reform

The Malta Union of Teachers yesterday said it was very important that debate on pensions reform be re-opened before any decisions are taken.

"All interested parties should be given the opportunity to give their reactions to a new document that the minister has in his possession and which has been drawn up by the new chairman of the National Welfare Reform Commission.

"Given that the minister has stated that he intends to take stock of the situation by the end of May, it is essential that no time is wasted in the consultative process," the union said.

The MUT was reacting to recent pronouncements by the Minister of Finance and Economic Services John Dalli on the issue of changes in pensions, which have caused concern, especially from among workers' representatives.

The minister also said that it was time to take decisions to defuse the pensions time bomb, which had lain shelved for several months.

"If the issue has been shelved for several months this cannot be attributed to the workers' representatives who have always shown a disposition to continue the debate on this very delicate issue in the best interests of all concerned.

"The MUT council seriously advocates the immediate implementation of consultative meetings which will include the full participation of workers' representatives.

"Any proposed changes in pensions need the backing of all interested parties and this should be forthcoming if the decision to implement changes is owned by everyone rather than imposed from above."