The Prime Minister also referred to the situation at ST Microelectronics and the worker’s refusal of a proposed collective agreement.

Dr Gonzi said that ST’s success depended on this agreement, which was the result of the government’s work in the past two years.

The company had faced major difficulties worldwide and the government had worked to find solutions. He hoped the results achieved would not be sabotaged.

The company’s management, Dr Gonzi said, had always appreciated the fact that workers were part of company’s success but competition was major and the Kirkop plant was constantly competing with China.

He appealed to workers to consider the matter well and to the General Workers Union to show leadership in the issue.