A number of employers walked out of an information session to discuss the regulations for the employment of disabled persons last week, after the ETC’s CEO Philip Rizzo acted in what they called an extremely patronising manner.
Some employers complained that Mr Rizzo accused them of not wanting to employ disabled people, whilst another employer was accused of not being able to comprehend the “simple mathematics” of having to abide to a 2 per cent quota of persons with a disability.
Others said that the language used by Mr Rizzo verged on the vulgar at times, an accusation which was denied a spokesperson for the Employment and Education Ministry.
“ETC denies the use of vulgar language during the meeting in question. It was simply a spirited discussion due to the sensitive nature of the subject in matter and throughout which ETC consistently affirmed its position in favour of a more inclusive environment,” the spokesperson said.
Joe Farrugia, Director General of the Malta Employers Association, which had a part in organising the information session, said the meeting was well attended, sending a clear message that employers are taking an interest in the matter.
Mr Farrugia said that following two presentations by the ETC, questions were taken from the floor. Some employers felt they did not receive answers from the ETC to the questions being posed, he said.
On Monday, the ETC and MEA pointed out that some companies may already have a 2% quota of persons with disability who are not registered as such, given that it is up to the individual to decide whether to register his or her disability.
The two entities said that many companies do, in fact, have employees on light duties who work a shorter working week or else a reduced workload.
Second controversy involving ETC CEO
This was the second controversy involving the ETC’s CEO Philip Rizzo, after a Facebook comment he passed last week led to Education Minister Evarist Bartolo banning him from the social network.
The furore came about after Head of the EU Funded Schemes Division at the ETC, Olivia Farrugia, had posted a photo of herself on Facebook wearing a one-piece swimsuit, sunglasses and a cap. Philip Rizzo chose to comment on her post and said – “This is the only ETC Head of Division with the three Bs… Brains, Boobs and Balls!!!!... she’s a very capable lady.”
In response, she said “Of course boss, I’m the only HoDwith the 2nd B. Im the only woman Head of Department…”