
This morning the Union Haddiema Maghqudin – UHM was hosted by the General Retailers and Traders Union – GRTU with the aim of discussing a way forward on the Active Labour Market Policy (AMLP) objectives. The meeting was one of a series where UHM is rallying support for its
labour market proposals. Mr. Vince Farrguia, Secretary General of GRTU,
praised UHM's effort and reiterated his full support for the
implementation of the document proposals.
Mr. Farrugia said that this document presents a number of valid proposals that will help to spur economic growth. The Secretary General insisted that the social partners need to anticipate upcoming threats by going beyond the traditional way of doing things. Malta needs to remain abreast of developments in Europe and in the rest of the world since Malta as the most open economy in the world is subject to international economic circumstances and Malta's internal economic policies are subject to decisions taken at EU level.UHM and GRTU believe that a professional approach to active labour market policy objectives can secure a successful economic climate for the upcoming generations.
Mr. Jesmond Bonello, UHM's President, explained the ALMP 2020 objectives and the economic benefits that would arise if the ALMP is implemented. It is only though higher productivity that trade-unions can bargain for higher wages. Mr. Bonello said that the union will still push forward for the implementation of the ALMP even in the absence of unanimous approval from all social partners. He said that however so far, the social partners met all expressed a favourable opinion to the Memorandum of Understanding.
GRTU proposed to UHM that the two sides should commence a process that could lead to structured dialogue on issues that affect employment relations within the services sector. The two parties agreed to further discussions that ought to lead to a collaborative approach to employment relations issues.