Wednesday, 29th April 2009 - 12:10CET
Social Pact: Never too late to try again - Dalli
The failure of talks on a Social Pact did not mean that such a pact was a bad idea, and it was never too late to start afresh, Social Policy Minister John Dalli said today.
The social partners should look at the proposal again, Mr Dalli told a seminar on social dialogue this morning.
The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development should also look into why the talks failed and come up with recommendations on a way forward for fresh discussions to start, but there had to be good will by all parties involved.
Mr Dalli said that in discussing social dialogue, one had to always keep in mind that the national interest had to come first. Trade unions could not ignore economic crises, and industrial action could endanger workers and their jobs. Other countries were facing problems and one could not assume that these problems would not affect Malta.
In their demands, trade unions needed to consider whether the country could afford what was being asked for. On the other hand, all had to ensure that the economic crisis was not taken advantage of and used as a tool to increase burdens on workers.
He said the government was concerned about rifts between the trade unions, especially on issues such as trade union recognition. Before any fresh efforts were made to set up a TUC, confidence-building measures were needed. Social dialogue was at a cross road It was not enough to have social dialogue at a national level. Constructive dialogue was also needed between unions and management The basis of industrial relations was trust.
In his speech, Mr Dalli thanked employer associations, trade unions and MEPs for having worked together to ensure that Malta retained its opt-out from the Working Time Directive.
He said Malta had been right to object to the changes, which would have been highly damaging to Malta. The changes would only have impinged on the freedom of workers to work more than 48 hours should they wish, but the changes would have meant problems for Malta in the organisation of its essential services, in view of a lack of manpower.
The seminar was organised by the Ghaqda Unions Maltin.
RSS
Comments
Any enlightenment please?
Are you sure you are a trade unionist?
If yes do you fight for the rights of the employees or that of the employers?
The GWU did a good thing at the time cause if things had to go as the GOV wanted, than we will be back in the 60s.
To be clear the GWU understands the rights and needs of the employers BUT it is there to safeguard the rights and needs of the employees and if necessary FIGHT with every way that the law provide.
If at MCESD level tried to understand and respect that way, well we would have a serious social pact by now.
Many remember that a Social Pact was agreed by all Unions at the MCESD, however at the last moment the GWU pulled the carpet and stalled the Pact, No one knows what really made Tony to change his mind - although I believe he was forced bvy those who consider the GWU as their prefered Union.
The GWU has since lost once more a number of top officials and advisors, whilst extremists moved in.
Even worse not only had talks for a TUC failed, but Bencini moved MUT from CMTU and joined GWU and other small Unions in an opposing front.
As a result industrial unrest increased during a global recession!
This situation is not conducive to negotiating a Social Pact, but as the Minister said It is never too late to try again. I therefore urge all concerned, to work hard at the MCESD to reac h this aim - This will help to save Malta from sinking .
Michael Seychell