Dr Grima pointed out that the MCESD social partners had agreed that matters discussed within the council are confidential and that, as a consequence, he could not give any information.

“It should be pointed out that the (Gordon Cordina) report you refer to is a document which is being used as a basis for discussion. It has not yet been approved by the social partners and/or the government, either in whole or in part,” Dr Grima concluded.

Rumours of revisions to the half-days system often reach the media at this time of the year. However, observers pointed out that the discussions over the new collective agreement could be a golden opportunity for the government to tackle the matter.

This is particularly so in the light of the commitments the government has made to reduce its expenditure.

Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) civil servants section secretary Mario Sacco said that UHM had received similar information, adding, however, that government had denied it.

“If the government is really thinking of reassessing the system, we expect serious consultation to take place with us.”

Asked if the issue will be brought up during the next collective agreement discussions, Mr Sacco said that the union had already sent its proposals but had heard nothing from the government as yet. The present collective agreement expires in December, but although the law provides for discussions to start six months before, these still have to get underway.

Mr Sacco pointed out that workers were not given anything for free because they work extra hours during the winter months to make up for the summer half-days.

Ms Josephine Attard Sultana, General Workers Union (GWU) official responsible for civil servants, said that the union had received similar information about the revision of the half-days system. Government has so far denied plans for any changes.

“We have not as yet heard anything from the government regarding the half days,” she said. “We will be sending our proposals by the end of the month after they have been approved by the Union’s executive council.”

Commenting about the revision of the half-days system, she said that such amendments would have to be implemented against the background of the conditions of work in some departments. She said that some offices do not have air-conditioning units while employees in other sectors worked outdoors.