Unions, leftists denounce EU economic package

Several trade unions and leftist groups joined forces yesterday to express their concern that the Euro-Plus Pact – the economic package being proposed in the European Parliament – would negatively affect workers across the EU.

“This package of measures is a continuation of the regressive policies being put forward by European institutions,” Żminijietna – Voice of the Left, Forum Unions Maltin, General Workers’ Union, Moviment Azzjoni Xellug and Moviment Graffitti said in a joint press conference.

“We are faced with another proposal for economic stimulus ranging from the dismantling of the collective agreement, reductions in wages and the conditions of workers,” the groups warned, drawing parallels to the Ports and Services Directive which was rejected by the European Parliament in 2006.

They described new measures as a direct threat to the Cost Of Living Adjustment system in Malta, because it was being proposed that wage increases should be directly linked to the productivity of the country and not with the increase in the cost of living.

The fourth proposal clearly speaks in favour of the deregulation of the labour market and the industry at large, the groupssaid, and this would increasepart-time employment and limit employment contracts.

They appealed to Maltese MEPs to oppose the Euro-Plus Pact and help to reintroduce an alternative package of economic stimulus with a social and ecological vision.