The Union Haddiema Maqghudin said today it is concerned by the way the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) is being run.

In a letter sent to MCESD President John Bencini, UHM President Jesmond Bonello said it is clear that the level of dialogue within the council is focused primarily on the priorities of the Office of the Prime Minister and several ministries. In fact, any requests by the OPM and the ministries are accepted immediately and without reservations but the validity and importance of requests by the social partners have to be considered before they are discussed within the council.

“Worse still, the UHM was informed by the MCESD today that, for its requests for council meetings to be held there has to be consensus by all members of the MCESD.”

The union said it always believed in the role of the MCESD but always held the impression that the role of council is supposed to be independent, where social dialogue is not obstructed. Today’s is a serious precedent that can happen to the other social partners. As such, the UHM expresses its reservations on the way the MCESD is being led.