16 - 22 March 2000

UHM warns government on privatisation

by Franco Aloisio

The Union Haddiema Maghqudin yesterday warned the government not to pursue a privatisation strategy plan without proper consultations with the trade unions.

UHM secretary general Gejtu Vella said that under no circumstances should the government lead the privatisation process on its own.

"All social partners, including the trade unions, should be consulted. Otherwise there will be no other option than industrial action," said Mr Vella.

Speaking during a press conference on privatisation, Mr Vella said the UHM has not formulated its policy on privatisation, as more discussions and information are required. The union will be needing more time to discuss the matter, and hence will not be in a position to present its views on the White Paper on Privatisation by the end of March, as established by the government.

"As a union, we want to discuss privatisation on the basis of our own agenda," Mr Vella said.

The UHM secretary general complained about the consultation meetings held prior to the drawing up of the White Paper. He lamented that a mere 15-minute meeting was held with the UHM on the subject and that this was definitely not enough. He insisted that the privatisation process should be carried out in a serious and transparent manner. Mr Vella added that the UHM will be judging the privatisation process on a case-by-case basis by evaluating the pros and cons of the privatisation of particular companies and corporations.

The UHM will be insisting that more information will be required on privatisation and hence the union will next week organise a one-day conference on the subject. Among the key speakers at the conference will be Prof. Daniel Vaughan Whitehead, a former advisor to the EU Commission on social affairs.