The GWU said that in the circumstances it no longer felt bound by the agreement and was at liberty to speak to the media about what was discussed in future meetings.

The union took this stand after The Malta Independent last Tuesday quoted sources giving a detailed account of what transpired at the meeting despite an agreement by the social partners not to divulge information.

TMID’s report also led to the Union Haddiema Maghqudin and the Confederation of Malta Trade Unions issuing statements saying that they will be doing their best to protect confidentiality while condemning those who leaked the information.

In its statement issued yesterday, the Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise said that as a constituted body represented on the MCESD, it was party to a confidentiality agreement reached between all members at the last meeting held on Monday.

The Malta Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise said it noted the comments made by the two trade unions that appeared in the press on Wednesday. In particular, the chamber takes exception to the General Workers Union’s reported declaration that it no longer feels bound by the agreement.

The chamber insisted that the agreement should be observed notwithstanding, in the interest of future discussions and of the nation in general. Commenting on the outcome of MCESD meetings – particularly on matters which it has been agreed should be treated as confidential – is not conducive to any mileage or advantage but instead leads to a loss of credibility of the organisation, the chamber said.