Malta Chamber calls on MCESD to concentrate on social dialogue

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry called on the MCESD to concentrate on issues that enhance national competitiveness.

“Competitiveness must be at the centre of policy-making if we want to really improve the business environment in Malta and competitiveness must be recognised by all social partners as the national be all and end all, of sustainable socio-economic development in Malta,” the Chamber said.

The Malta Chamber commended the Juncker Commission, which is embarking on an initiative to ‘relaunch’ Europe’s Social dialogue and has held, a high level meeting with leaders of European and national employers and workers organisations yesterday, in order to give a new impetus to strengthen the European social dialogue which will contribute to a more competitive Europe.

At the European level, this meeting was being seen as a starting point, as it was expected to create the basis for a transformation of European Social dialogue into a reform partnership facilitating the necessary changes.

In fact, with a view to strengthening social dialogue, the Commission will seek, together with the social partners, to ensure a more substantial involvement of social partners in EU governance, in EU policy making and to support the functioning of industrial relations and social dialogue in the Member States.

“Europe is the most socially minded market economy in the world but social achievements can only be sustained with higher economic growth and more jobs,” the Chamber said.

“Europe’s social problems derive from a lack of competitiveness and not from a lack of European social legislation. European companies are confronted with numerous obstacles which will have to be overcome in order to allow them to create more jobs. We need to address the current challenges.”

It said that the only viable way to ensure prosperity was to carry out the reforms that would create a virtuous circle between improved competitiveness, higher growth and more job creation: “The latest European economic indicators paint a clear picture. It is the countries which did the necessary, sometimes painful reforms that now show the most significant economic growth rates.”

The Malta Chamber said that in the past months, it actively participated and contributed on the MCESD Restructuring Committee. To this end concrete recommendations were given to restructure MCESD giving it more relevance and autonomy.

The Malta Chamber suggested measures to ensure better management of meetings and building of an agenda that addresses the economic and social priorities of the country in a holistic manner.

“The Malta Chamber believes in the role of the MCESD as the primary institution for the conduct of social dialogue in Malta. Further to the presentation of recommendations by the working group, the Chamber awaits the Government’s pronouncement of the way forward so that Malta can match Europe’s pace for strengthening social dialogue. The Malta Chamber believes a reformed MCESD and a serious and holistic approach towards social dialogue can contribute effectively towards ensuring sustainable economic growth for Malta.”