Maltese trade unions could set an example for other unions around Europe showing them what could be achieved through more collaboration, according to the European Trades Union Council's general secretary John Monks.

Addressing trade unions on the need to collaborate between themselves for the benefit of their members, their families and their country, Mr Monks said that trade unions in Malta were in good shape and they were the strongest among the unions in the new EU member states.

Malta, he said, was now being presented with an opportunity to "erect" a trade union movement that would be an example for others.

The media were only invited to stay for the first part of the meeting with Mr Monks.