Employers, unions and the government will meet at an "urgent" meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development to discuss the "war" declared by the General Workers' Union.

Amid a work-to-rule directive which came into effect in the public and private sector this morning and the GWU's fluttering of the red flag that "more measures will follow", MCESD chairman Victor Scicluna yesterday called a meeting requested by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. It is set for 1.30 p.m.

Speaking to The Times, Mr Scicluna said the council meets regularly on the first and third Monday of the month. "But given the current situation and the request by Dr Gonzi, we managed to convene an urgent meeting. All members have confirmed their attendance," Mr Scicluna said.

While the government made it clear it was not ready to meet the GWU alone, employers - including the Malta Employers' Association, the Federation of Industry and the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise - said the GWU's actions were "uncalled for" and would negatively affect the private sector.

The Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) is also on record saying that just solutions were found "through meaningful dialogue and not by taking to the streets", in reference to the mass protest held by the GWU last Thursday prior to the Commonwealth summit.

Would Mr Scicluna have a tough job chairing what could turn out to be a confrontational meeting?

"We will see what happens," Mr Scicluna replied succinctly. In a reply to Dr Gonzi's invitation to seek a solution through the council, Mr Zarb insisted on seeing the Prime Minister away from the MCESD meeting.

"Dr Gonzi's letter implied he is not ready yet to meet the GWU," Mr Zarb said, adding that the government could not "make use of the MCESD to shed its responsibilities".

Mr Zarb questioned Dr Gonzi's intention in referring the matter to the social partners' forum, especially when "some government minister had belittled the MCESD calling it a 'talking shop'".

The union's central administration will this morning tour workplaces where "workers will be observing the directive".

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