Trade Union efforts yield results in Malta Government postpones proposed measures

The Maltese Government has decided to postpone its decision aimed at reducing public holidays and threatening free collective bargaining following pressure made by the trade union movement in the recent days. The Government has agreed to take the discussion back to the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) in an attempt to reach an agreement on making Malta more competitive through social dialogue.

This decision was taken in a meeting on Tuesday called by the Minister responsible for Finance following a massive protest held Monday in which thousands of workers demonstrated in Valletta. The protest was organised by the General Workers Union (GWU), the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT), the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN), the Malta Union of Bank Employees (MUBE), the Union of Cabin Crew (UCC), the Union of Pilots (ALPA), the Union of Engineers and Architects (AAE), the Union of Air Malta Engineers and the Union of Central Bank Employees. Such an event was described as historic as the majority of Maltese trade unions came together for a single cause.

The decision of Government proved that the unity currently prevailing between the trade union movement yielded its results. Furthermore this sudden decision by Government allows for further discussions in which a possible national agreement may be sought with the input and contribution of all the Social Partners.

The trade unions will in the coming days be meeting in an attempt to coordinate a common position to be negotiated in the MCESD. The GWU’s International Department will keep you updated with any developments.