I read with interest the position taken by the unions at the MCESD meeting regarding public holidays falling on a Saturday or a Sunday.

Although I can understand their position on a point of “principle” – that they cannot accept changes in the labour laws – I fail to understand why they did not give in to this proposal by

government.

Government is changing the public holidays law. This will put the work force that the unions are protecting in the same position as if the labour laws were to be changed, and further it will hit hard a number of employees who normally work on Saturdays and on public holidays, as in the case of the latter, they will lose their bonus payments.

Can the unions please explain the logic and not the principle behind their stand?

If the public holiday laws are changed, I look forward to visiting my bank when an (ex) public holiday falls on a Saturday.

Vincent Mercieca

San Gwann