It is a headache for SMEs to record workers attendance at the place of work. It is even more frustrating to curb abuse. To curb absenteeism a policy that clearly sets the parameters which absences are allowed, and what behaviour will subject the employee to discipline must be in place. Absenteeism problems can range from employees not calling in or not showing up for their shifts and taking sick-leave when well. These records are kept updated and abuse checked. This cannot be said for some of our MPs. Some do not show up for House sessions without any justifiable reason.
I will not digress. I will deal with this issue later.
Quite often entrepreneurs question whether their workforce still holds the high level of work ethic which was renowned for before the wide-ranging, but necessary restructuring process which took place in the 90s and the following decade. No doubt that process was painful for many workers. Thousands of workers engaged in large labour intensive industries were laid-off and had to be re-trained to fill the more lucrative vacancies emerging in the private sector. Those bold decisions were the foundations for the open economy which we enjoy today.
A strong work ethic is based on a set of values and principles. Integrity is one of them. Workers still have a high level of integrity, a strong sense of responsibility, are capable to work in teams and are totally committed. It is this strong work ethic which supports companies. In cut-throat markets an efficient workforce is a pre-requisite. Every employee, from the CEO to entry-level workers, must have a good work ethic to keep a company functioning at its peak.
Going back to our MPs attendance in the House it is regretted that these values and ethics are not followed by some of our MPs to an extent that a new rule had to be introduced to curb MPs absenteeism. Before the House adjourned for the summer recess it was agreed that any Member of Parliament will be fined €50.00 in the event the honourable fails to attend a Parliamentary session for no justifiable reason. Much as I tried to find justification for the introduction of this fine I cannot but rubbish it. The quantum deducted from the MP honorarium is not the issue. The parliamentary duties which some of our MPs are deserting is costing our society a far higher price not in monetary terms but to our democracy. In monetary term had the €50.00 fine been introduced last year, the total figure of fines collected could have reached €90,000.00. This is very revealing. Alarming isn’t? But, bear with me, money doesn’t count here.
This gross negligence committed by some of our MPs should have been addressed by the political party who’s MPs failed to attend parliament without a sufficient cause. Our democracy needs to be cared for at all times by our MPs, of whatever shade, in the House. Our MPs are expected to participate in the House debates to ensure that as far as is feasible constituents are well represented.
If some of our MPs are not capable to prioritise their political responsibilities and are failing to show the due respect to one of the highest Institutions, the Speaker, the Leaders of the respective political grouping, both Whips, and not least the electorate it should be of no surprise, then, this land is fast losing the high moral ground.
While on the subject, I do not hesitate to pen that I favour a revision in the salary structure and honorarium of our MPs. It does not make sense to have CEO’s of public entities and corporations earning more than the PM and the Leader of the Opposition. This is an anomaly which needs to be rectified. Concurrently Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries should be barred from doing any part-time work while back-benchers should not be called to serve as CEO’s or Chairpersons of public authorities or corporations. Our island should not continue to be led by a group of honourable part-timers.
Accountability is a fundamental requirement to achieve good governance. While government has an obligation to explain and be answerable for the consequences of all decisions, likewise all MPs have a duty to attend House sessions. After the current summer holidays our MPs should commit to pull up their socks, reverse this nonchalance and stop shooting themselves in the foot.
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