The general secretary of the General Workers' Union, Tony Zarb yesterday urged the government to announce its plans on the issue of the pension system.

Addressing pensioners at the union headquarters, in Valletta, Mr Zarb said it was clear the government was already planning what to do as evidenced by the fact that the government was saying there was need for unpopular measures.

Mr Zarb said the union had every intention of respecting the verdict of the people. "But at the same time the people have not signed any blank cheque for the government to steam roll workers."

He said the union would resist any measures aimed at weakening workers' rights.

Mr Zarb referred to yesterday's The Times editorial entitled "Monitoring the GWU!" and said the union was mature and responsible. "But our first responsibility is to our members. Irrespective of how many editorials they write on the GWU, we shall move on."

He criticised Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi who has said that Mr Zarb's style was "passé".

Mr Zarb asked what style the government was seeking. "What style do you want Mr Minister? Are you after someone who will be prepared to accept anything the government proposes?"

Mr Zarb said the union was prepared to discuss the problems and challenges facing this country. The GWU and the Confederation of Malta Trade Unions - both members of the European Trade Union Council - had embarked on talks to consider the possibility of working together within the framework of the European Union, he added without elaborating.

At the end of the meeting, Mr Zarb appealed to the pensioners present for the meeting to pray for him. "It's true that the cross we have to bear is getting heavier from one day to the next. However, we remain determined to continue carrying it. We will not lose heart," he said.