FOI, GWU see eye to eye on training, MCESD

Officials from the Federation of Industry and the General Workers' Union on Wednesday had a "very cordial and fruitful" meeting, a joint statement by the two organisations said.

The statement said the meeting was intended to establish better relations between the organisations and to identify common positions on issues of national interest.

FOI president Adrian Bajada and director general Wilfred Kenely welcomed GWU secretary general Tony Zarb and deputy secretary generals Gejtu Mercieca and Michael Parnis to the FOI premises.

They exchanged views on topics such as the rise in electricity and fuel charges and its impact on both workers and employers, the future of port services and the need for an integrated industrial policy with particular emphasis on the future of manufacturing.

The statement said both sides acknowledged the need for a stronger drive in favour of a better trained workforce which would facilitate the attraction of high value-added investment.

The two organisations expressed concerns that the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development is not reaching all its objectives and said that its structure and operating procedures should be reviewed.

Both the FOI and the GWU acknowledged the great importance of the council and appealed to all parties, including the government, to work towards having a more effective discussion forum.