The Confederation of Malta Trade Unions has called on the government and all economy stakeholders to work together in 2009 to overcome the challenges ahead.

"The agenda is one: to work together with an aim of overcoming every hurdle while striving to maximise Malta's competitiveness potential, when possible to reduce the deficit and push harder for more percentage growth to consolidate what we have, to create employment and to make our economy sustainable in order to protect our well-being," CMTU president William Portelli said.

He called on stakeholders to adopt a "straightforward" attitude to ensure good business relations and effective dialogue.

Mr Portelli said the CMTU would also act as a "promoter of well-being and goodwill" between unions and the social partners. Bridging the gap was a commitment the confederation would work for, he said.

He encouraged leaders to continue showing their leadership skills and help prove that the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development was "the living proof of a real forum for genuine consultation".

There must also be a renewed understanding that employers and employees have overlapping but distinct interests where the focus is on performance, quality and competition to the business, quality of working life and full employment to the workforce, he said.

"I appeal to all leaders to do their utmost and lead by example while politicians, trade unionists and all the social partners should be more than prepared to administer and manage the changes and challenges coming Malta's way in 2009," he said.