The Bishops of Malta and Gozo have called on the government and the General Workers' Union (GWU) to use their experience and creativity to reach an agreement over the future of Malta Shipyards that would ensure the common good while respecting the dignity of the workers and their families.

Archbishop Paul Cremona, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech and Vicar General Annetto Depasquale appealed to everyone for their support and prayers for an agreement to be reached.

The government and the GWU are holding talks through a mediator on the privatisation of the yards after reaching an impasse over retirement schemes and job security for the workers. "It is acknowledged that the labour market and the economy should develop in a balance between what constitutes the common good, the good of society, and the individual good, including the dignity and rights of every worker, of every person, of every family," the prelates said in a statement. They also acknowledged that in a globalised world, all this has become more complicated because of the realities and alliances between countries.

The bishops expressed gratitude to the mediator who has not yet been named.

While the government wants to downsize the workforce, the union is calling for guaranteed employment for those workers who do not opt for an early retirement package.

The government has ruled out the union's demand but has offered to fine-tune the early retirement schemes.