Both unions were annoyed by the fact that someone had breached an agreement reached during this meeting that none of the social partners would give their comments to the press on what had been discussed. They had agreed that they would let only MCESD chairman Victor Scicluna speak to the press about what happened at the meetings. However, TMID yesterday quoted sources effectively saying what had been discussed.
In its statement, the GWU said it had written to Mr Scicluna informing him that following the article carried by this newspaper in which details of what was discussed were published, the union was withdrawing its participation in the decision not to give comments to the media.
The letter, signed by secretary general Tony Zarb, said the union could not understand how the social partners could agree on a social pact at a national level if such a simple agreement regarding comments to the press is not respected.
Mr Zarb said it was not fair that an individual social partner takes advantage of the system and tries to take advantage over other social partners.
Mr Zarb condemned the entity or entities that supplied information to The Malta Independent.
Soon afterwards, the UHM also issued a statement on the matter. It said that it will continue defending the confidentiality of the MCESD meetings and their outcome.
In the statement, the UHM said it was going to continue condemning those people who reveal confidential information on what is discussed during MCESD meetings.
The UHM said it was a disgrace that certain social partners could not honour a simple agreement not to divulge confidential information to the press.
It also condemned those social partners who divulge confidential information and documents that would have not even been discussed at MCESD level.
It said it will be taking the necessary corrective actions to ensure that the information discussed during the meetings remain confidential while at the same time informing its members and the public in general about the progress being achieved within the MCESD.