UĦM chief calls for joint strategy to protect workers

Employers should work together with the government to ensure that jobs are retained and new ones generated as the international financial crisis inches towards Malta.

The general secretary of the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin, Gejtu Vella called for a dialogue bringing together all social partners to devise a strategy to protect workers during this economic turmoil.

"It's important that any decisions are taken by keeping in mind the workers' interest... The worker is to be given priority over finances... Placing financial interests before is unacceptable and deplorable," he said.

Mr Vella said it was wrong to think that just because Malta was an island it would escape the repercussions of the economic storm.

He pointed out that recently the Central Bank Governor pointed out that Malta's exports had declined and the rate of unemployment was increasing. In fact, over the past 12 months, 900 people had registered for unemployment.

He stressed that employment and financial success needed not be mutually exclusive. The country's social services were only possible because the worker paid for them through social contributions, he added.

A strategy was needed to ensure that workers were safeguarded during the crisis.

To start with, workers should be informed about the reality they might face so they could take any necessary measures to safeguard their future.

It was also important to maximise on courses and services offered by the Employment and Training Corporation.