“We need to give life to this commitment. We all have a collective responsibility to the future. Together we can make good on our common aspirations. We have a mandate to act now, and working together we will certainly succeed”. With this phrase the ILO director-general, Juan Somavia concluded his inspiring address to the delegates attending the ILO Conference, representing governments, employers, and trade unions this year. This powerful statement is very similar and very familiar to the local community. Flimkien kollox possibbli is very fitting in the current economic scenario.
The theme that was under objective and constructive analysis at the International Labour Organisation was the “Global Jobs Pact” aimed at creating jobs, protecting workers and stimulating economic recovery. This year’s ILO Conference, as expected, debated the global recession and its consequences and even went a step further in making proposals about the paths leading to economic recovery.
Locally the invitation by the government seems open to all interested parties to participate and share responsibility in the shaping of our own future. Members of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development were invited earlier this month by the Prime Minister to initiate and engage in a process of meaningful, constructive social dialogue charting the priorities for the pre-budget document, which is expected to be in the public domain for reflection and comments by the general public and interested unions and organisations soon.
The early summer meeting for MCESD members has now become a yearly appointment in preparation for next year’s budget. MCESD members were invited to submit their views on both economic and social matters, affecting our small community. This has to be sketched in a world recession that has served millions of workers with termination letters and redundancy notices from their respective employer. This international economic downturn is now also biting away our economic prosperity.
In this economic climate there are issues of our own making which need early attention while others are a result of the world economic distress and need more reflection before any action is taken. Running too fast and flying too high may now be dangerous.
Initiatives to further encourage the business community to further invest is certainly a priority but equally important is the investment in workers’ skills development, skills upgrading to improve employability, in particular for those having lost or at risk of losing their job, and vulnerable groups.
The UHM presently is in process of preparing the necessary position paper and proposals. In this regard we have sought the relevant economic, financial projections for the foreseeable future. The current unemployment figures and the rate of inflation are a major concern, while government spending should also include a value for money consideration. Ensuring that people’s taxes are used and cared for by the government is essential. Transparency and accountability remain a pre-requisite.
This year the government has an even greater challenge when charting the road map for next year’s Budget. After last years’ breakdown in effective communication between the government and the rest of the social partners, restoring confidence and trust is now a major challenge.
Notwithstanding this the UHM will enter once again into this process of social dialogue with an open mind and with a set of fresh proposals to help workers, pensioners and their families make ends meet at the end of the month in an economic scenario that has set loose realities which need a national effort to combat.
The UHM, as has been custom for many years, prefers to reach economic and social targets through meaningful social dialogue. All legitimate instruments available to the unions to protect workers at this stage should only be used with caution if and when meaningful social dialogue fails.
Our agenda has been built on strong social values. Values the UHM will not spare. People’s aspirations are at the very centre of our agenda. This year government has to be capable to bring all social partners together and own the necessary fiscal and social measures. In the absence of that, the economic situation may further deteriorate with the natural consequences for all. Protecting workers’ interests is best achieved through a concerted national effort.
Gejtu Vella is secretary general Union Haddiema Maghqudin
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