Social partners differ on wages policy

Agreement on a wages policy is proving to be a tough task for the social partners, who are meeting regularly within the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development.

A meeting that started on Saturday, proceeded yesterday morning and is scheduled to continue today in a bid to resolve the issue.

The partners are of the opinion that the wages issue is such a crucial matter that without it there cannot be a social pact between employers, trade unions and the government.

Employers are arguing that cost of living increases should no longer be given across the board but only to minimum wage earners. They are also insisting that public holidays falling on the weekends should not be added to workers' leave entitlement while some of those falling during the week should be shifted to Mondays.

Employers are also clamouring for a reduction in the pay rate for overtime.

These proposals are not being accepted by the unions which, at best, would only indicate they are prepared to accept the shifting of some public holidays to Mondays or Fridays.

The trade unions are also awaiting the government's reaction regarding overtime pay and are insisting that collective bargaining should remain.

An MCESD report on enhancing productivity had said there should be agreement on wage increases and ceilings should be set in both public and private sectors for a period of three years.

After today's meeting, the MCSED is scheduled to meet again next weekend when discussion will focus on the budget, expected to be presented in the last week of November.