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.