13 - 19 April 2000

Business bodies appeal for stability in industrial relations

by Franco Aloisio

The three major business organisations - the Federation of Industry (FOI), Chamber of Commerce and Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) - yesterday appealed for calm and stability in the country's industrial relations.

In a joint statement, the three organisations said they view the deteriorating situation between the government and the GWU as a serious threat to the country's efforts to tackle the various present economic challenges.

The three organisations said that they are concerned about the effects of the various industrial turbulence which took place in this last year such as the clash over the privatisation of Kalaxlokk, the recognition at the MIA and the dispute over the budget measures.

"The situation threatens to destabilise the administration of justice, law and order and the various services provided to industry and the consumer at large," FOI, Chamber of Commerce and MHRA said.

They added that business and employer organisations are in no doubt that the budget deficit and national debt are matters of national concern.

"It is the belief of our organisations that measures need to be implemented without delay for the good of the country's economic and social stability in an effort to find lasting solutions to the present problems.

"We appeal to the GWU and the government to sit around the table with representatives of employers and other major unions to hammer out a programme of measures that need to be taken to reduce the government's expenditure."

The three organisations added that increasing taxation further will only contribute towards making manufacturing and the tourist industry uncompetitive and discouraging new investment that is so important to getting the economy out of its present slow-down.