Updated: PM meets GWU, FOI

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi visited the Workers' Memorial Building this morning for talks with the GWU on proposals for the PN electoral manifesto. He later also calledd at the offices of the Federation of Industry in Floriana. The visits formed part of a series of meetings which the PN is holding with the social partners.

Dr Gonzi told the union delegation that said his party wanted to work with the union to create more and better josb but also keep a close watch on the existing employment situation. He believed in working closely with the union to find the best solutions for Malta to remain competitive.

GWU General Secretary Tony Zarb said this meeting would serve as an opportunity to present the union's memorandum to political parties. The union, he said, would work with any government that respected it. The GWU wanted the next government to follow clear and consistent policies which created jobs, raised efficiency and accountability.

He said that the government should not interfere in industrial relations as had happened in the case of public holidays. The government ought to also have clear policies on Enemalta and the shipyards, safeguard the health and safety of all workers, move stricter legislation against abuse, keep promises made to workers, and implement sustainable environmental policies, amongst other things.

During the meeting Mr Zarb was accompanied by his deputies Michael Parnis and Gejtu Mercieca, GWU president Victor Carachi and former president Salvu Sammut.

Dr Gonzi was accompanied by deputy Prime Minsiter Tonio Borg and party candidates Paul Borg Olivier and Caroline Galea.

At the FOI, federation president Martin Galea underlined that EU membership and the setting up of Mcast had been especially beneficial for industry. He stressed that for the future Malta needed to have a constant supply of trained workers and the country needed to remain competitive.

Dr Gonzi was accompanied at that meeting by Nationalist MP John Dalli.