The Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin is calling on the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development to discuss a policy banning the social partners from taking mobile phones to official meetings with ministers.

The union referred to a meeting between the Home Affairs Minister and its general secretary, Josef Vella, that was cancelled when Mr Vella was told he could not take his mobile phone to the meeting.

This was not acceptable in a democratic country and the incident showed lack of trust in the social partners, it said, expressing concern the same could be done for meetings with other government departments or offices.

The UĦM said the social partners contributed to the country’s economic and social aspects and that role was built on respect and reciprocal trust.

Lack of trust, it warned, could hinder social dialogue.