Gonzi invites MLP for joint discussion on workers' day

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has invited the Labour Party to join the PN in the organisation of a National Conference on Workers' Day next year, saying the discussion about work should not be politicised.

Dr Gonzi was speaking at the end of the 2008 workers' day conference organised by the PN, during which 14 speakers, representing various sectors of employment, gave their contribution.

Dr Gonzi said Workers' Day should not be merely marked with street parties and it was important that, on this day, people gathered to discuss the country's strengths and weaknesses and gauged the current situation, he said.

Malta's economy was doing well but should not be taken for granted as there were many challenges ahead, such as the rising price of oil and wheat that was being felt all over the world.

Dr Gonzi then outlined four main points towards the country's success within the next five years. First, he said, the country's economic situation had to be maintained and this meant that everyone had to give his contribution. It was also important to keep investing in the capabilities of workers, continue making use of opportunities offered by the EU and strengthen social dialogue.

He added that in the past days the idea of having a Social Pact had re-emerged. "I believed we need a pact for sustainable development," he said. This pact, he elaborated, would need to find a balance between safeguarding the environment and incentivising development.