Union commissions social pact study

The Union Haddiema Maghqudin has commissioned a technical report on the need for the country to establish a social pact in order to achieve social and economic reform.

UHM general secretary Gejtu Vella said the report was expected to be presented to the union's extraordinary conference to be held on March 16. The prime minister and the leader of the opposition are expected to take part in the conference.

The report, which has been entrusted to consultants John C. Grech, Stefano Mallia and Robert Geismann, is expected to provide a critical analysis of the Maltese economy.

The UHM, which has been insisting on the need for social partners to establish a social pact, feels the only way forward in a globalised world and in an EU membership scenario is to tackle fundamental issues related to the competitiveness - or the lack of it, sustainability of the welfare state, taxation and tax evasion as well as the environment.

"We need a social pact which will cover these important areas, as has happened in a substantial number of EU countries," Mr Vella said.

He also said the union would not be taking part in the demonstration organised by the General Workers' Union to protest against the spate of redundancies.

"The fact is that demonstrations do not lead to job creation. The social partners should instead sit around a table and start serious discussions. It's time for everyone to show signs of maturity."