A process has been started to expand the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, the government said, justifying its rejection of a parliamentary motion calling for the inclusion of Forum Unions Maltin and the Gozo Business Chamber.

Labour MP Gino Cauchi, who had moved the motion, said the government was ignoring 14,000 workers by not including Forum in the MCESD. He accused Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said, a Gozitan, of acting against the interests of his constituency when he voted against the motion. Reacting, Dr Said noted the opposition was not aware of the consultation process to increase social partners’ participation in the MCESD. It was clear, he said, Mr Cauchi was not aware he had asked the MCESD members to submit their proposals on the council’s composition, representation on EU committees and the MCESD’s work.

Members “unanimously agreed” on the setting up of a working group led by the MCESD chairman and composed of two union and two employers’ representatives, Dr Said added. The group would be evaluating the proposals and proposing concrete plans.

The Gozo chamber was adequately represented at the MCESD through meetings of the Gozo Regional Committees, Dr Said said.

Mr Cauchi described the government’s reply as feeble and unconvincing. Dr Said, he said, had only proposed the working group a day before the motion was to be debated in Parliament.