Social partners anxious over working time directive

The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development has called on the government not to decide over the EU's working time directive before talking to the unions, The Times has learnt.

This was confirmed by the Medical Association of Malta, the General Workers' Union and the Confederation of Malta Trade Unions.

The issue is expected to be on the agenda of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council meeting next week.

Tony Zarb, the GWU's general secretary, said the union had been informed that a proposal on the directive was to be submitted by the Slovenian EU presidency.

CMTU president William Portelli said the social partners were insisting that the government make its official position known to them and embark on consultation if its stand has changed.

Contacted yesterday, however, MCESD chairman Sonny Portelli said the government had been contacted on the matter but had replied saying its position had not changed.

Malta is one of the countries resisting the imposition of a cap of 48 hours per working week, which limits overtime. Although member states can opt out of this legislation, others want to completely abolish this possibility.

MAM president Martin Balzan said the association believes that the directive would work against employees. Since the 48-hour week is worked out on an average over a period of months, the MAM is worried that employees may be forced to work extra hours on certain weeks. Moreover, when it comes to doctors, inactive on-call time would not be counted as working time, said Dr Balzan.