The Malta Labour Party believes that Malta should embrace a policy that facilitates the participation of women in the world of work while at the same time enabling women to meet their other commitments, MLP deputy leader Charles Mangion said yesterday.

In a meeting with the General Workers Union, held to discuss Labour’s plan for equality between the sexes, Dr Mangion said the participation of women in the workplace will help the country become more competitive.

GWU secretary-general Tony Zarb was quoted in an MLP statement as saying that the union considers the MLP’s proposals in the sector “interesting and concrete”. With some effort, he said, what is being suggested can be implemented.

He however said that the union is sceptical about establishing quotas for the participation of women in various sectors. The union believed that women should be given every opportunity to progress without difficulty.

Mr Zarb said that many women, especially part-timers, were being exploited. Some were being told that they cannot be trade union members, while other women were being given products of the company for which they work instead of wages.

The GWU believed that child care centres should be available in all towns and villages.