Social partners talk of growing economy, need for more skilled workers

There exists widespread consensus that Malta’s economy was growing steadily, but this has created even greater demand for skilled workers, social partners agreed.

Taking part in a conference organized by Labour’s think-tank Fondazzjoni Ideat, different exponents from trade unions and employers’ organisations spoke of the need to strike a balance between the growing economy and demand for skilled and trained workers.

Amidst  a conference concentrating on jobs, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat also sought an opportunity to drive home the message that he was one to take decisions.

Just a few minutes before the start of the activity, the Prime Minister addressed a media conference during which he announced a Cabinet reshuffle, sparked by the Panama Papers revelations. Konrad Mizzi is now a minister without portfolio, answering directly to the Prime Minister and carrying out projects as instructed by Muscat.

“I believe in the sense of fairness and balance but at the same time sending a clear message that this is a government that decides. We took into consideration the genuine people, the silent majority who was unhappy. We will then submit ourselves to their judgement. We will keep on taking decisions, working serenely to create more wealth and generate more workplaces,” he said.

He welcomed the different interventions made this evening, noting that a flourishing economy had increased the rate of employment. At the same time, the government now had to focus on turning jobs into careers whilst find ways how to address foreign workers.

“We have to ensure that foreign workers are not abused but at the same that conditions of Maltese workers are not undermined,” Muscat said.

Ahmed Bugre, coordinator of the Marsa open centre, said refugees and migrants tend to feel a sense of unsettlement, resulting from lack of stability. At the same time, this sense of instability would give rise to abuse as migrant workers would be ready to do anything to earn a living.

Bugre went on to suggest an effective integration policy that would focus on both education and training migrants for work. Due to lack of financial stability, many migrants are not in a position to go to school.

He also proposed that a €300 monthly contribution, awarded to persons granted protection, should be linked to education and work.

Bugre went on to add that government should launch incentives to help many Libyan and Syrian women in Malta with young children who wish to join the workforce.