Michael Falzon, who is contesting the post of Labour leader, and the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin yesterday agreed on the need to work together and to address the issue of occupational health and safety.

During a visit to the UĦM in the run-up to the leadership election, Dr Falzon insisted that political parties, both in government and in opposition, should have good relations with all the trade unions even if, traditionally, this has not been the case and the scenario was characterised by different relations with different unions.

It was not a matter of choice but of need, Dr Falzon stressed, adding that modern society required that its realities and challenges were faced together.

Among these was the issue of inflation and the cost of living, he said, listing the ripple effects of tackling them in various ways. Politicians, unions, workers and stakeholders needed to look at holistic solutions together as social partners, he said, stressing "holistic" in terms of taking into account their effects on various aspects of society and the economy.

In view of Worker's Day on Thursday, Dr Falzon also addressed the issue of occupational health and safety, a topical theme even in Malta, given the rate of accidents at the work place being rather high every year.

He said Malta needed to work much harder on two levels: As a member of the EU it had to make a greater effort to truly be like a European country when it came to occupational health and safety while the problem of lack of enforcement had to be addressed.

Laws on the matter were plenty but the Occupational Health and Safety Authority was lacking in human and financial resources, with about 10 inspectors for a workforce of 140,000.

In the light of May 1, emphasis should be laid on prevention, rather than remedies, cures and benefits that come after, Dr Falzon said.

UĦM general secretary Gejtu Vella expressed agreement with Dr Falzon's comments, saying: "Let us learn how to work together. If this happens, the country's potential would be developed for the benefit of everyone".

Cost of living and increases in price movements were a reality that had to be dealt with but decisions were not easy, he admitted, suggesting that "we decide to recognise our own problems and those we import. Let us see how to eliminate those we care creating for ourselves and how to address the problems we import."

Mr Vella said the union would continue to focus on occupational health and safety and, in particular, the deterrent aspect. As the law stood, the penalties did not serve as a deterrent at all and needed to be strengthened.

The union's campaign would continue until the end of year, Mr Vella said, acknowledging the importance of the matter.