There is no need for an ad-hoc discussion on Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela’s request that UHM secretary general Josef Vella surrender his mobile phone prior to a meeting, the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) said.
The UHM accused the MCESD of only entertaining meetings that suit the Office of the Prime Minister’s agenda.
In a tit-for-tat exchange, the MCESD refuted this accusation.
“It is important to point out that since March 2013, a record of more than 60 MCESD Council meetings took place, at least, half of which were requested by different MCESD Social Partners,” MCESD executive secretary Sylvia Gauci said in a press release.
“The request by UHM to hold an ad hoc meeting on the incident which involved the UHM and the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security was discussed at an MCESD meeting on 2 March 2015.
“The Social Partners showed concern that such an incident had to happen, yet as this was an isolated incident, most Social Partners expressed the opinion that an ad hoc meeting to further discuss the matter was inopportune.
“The MCESD administration had also sought legal advice on the matter and was advised that the MCESD law itself makes it very clear that the discussions at MCESD level should be ‘on issues relating to the sustainable economic and social development in Malta.’
“The UHM’s request on the use of mobiles during official meetings with Minister has absolutely nothing to do with what is supposed to be discussed at MCESD Level according to Article 3 of the MCESD law.
“It is also pertinent to point out that the UHM requested a meeting to discuss the Government Policy on the use of Mobiles during official meetings with Ministers when no official Government Policy exists.
“Notwithstanding, on the initiative of the Chairman, a letter was sent to Minister Carmelo Abela today, voicing the Social Partners' concern. This uncalled for attack on the Administration of MCESD is not only unfair, unjust, unmerited and undeserved but is also giving a false impression to the general public on the sterling work being performed by the MCESD administration and the Social Partners who give a lot of their time to contribute towards the good of the Country.”
In a statement, FOR.U.M President Paul Pace condemned the UHM’s ‘attack’ on the MCESD.
He said the matter was discussed during an MCESD meeting and was deemed to be an “isolated incident.”
The General Workers Unions also expressed its confidence in the present administration of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development. This in view of the arrogant statement issued by the UHM in which it attacked the MCESD administration following its failure to reach its political motives.
The UHM adopted such an improper and condemnable attitude soon after the social partners within MCESD did not reach a consensus to discuss an isolated incident involving the same UHM and the Minister for Interior and National Security, Mr Carmelo Abela.
Even so, the UHM's allegation that the Government has a policy regarding mobile phones does not exist and therefore there was no reason for the subject to be raised and discussed by the MCESD. Moreover, the claim made by UHM does not fall within the remit of MCESD.
In view of this the GWU reaffirms its support and confidence in the MCESD administration.