The new chairperson emphasised the importance and relevance of the MCESD in his introduction and stated that the next step is to “increase the impact of this Council, drive expectations, and work to accomplish them professionally.”

According to Perit Xuereb, the keys to success include dialogue, empathy, robust research, collaboration, value, credibility and accountability.

During this meeting, two important topics were discussed.

The Ministry responsible for Social Policy and Children’s Rights presented the subject of the Social Vision for the year 2035, where the Hon. Minister Michael Falzon introduced the subject and answered questions from the social partners. This subject was explored in the light of recent tragedies driven by perceived increased violence and accidents related to drug abuse in our country. The topic was thoroughly discussed in order for Maltese society and economy to thrive in a truly sustainable and safe manner.

The presentation “Social Vision for Malta 2035” may be accessed here.

The Malta Council for Science and Technology presented the national Research and Innovation strategic plan 2023-2027. The Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation detailed the subject matter and answered questions posed by the social partners. This discussion zoomed at how we may better our society and economy in a fast-changing international competitivity landscape. The need to address the fragmented nature and infrastructure of this ambition and the need to focus on attracting local and international talent to strengthen research activity will make innovation tangible and valuable to our economy and society.

The presentation “National R&I Strategic Plan 2035” may be accessed here.

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Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Silvio Schembri and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela address an MCESD meeting on COVID19 challenges
Sitcen Room, Auberge de Castille

Minister responsible for social dialogue Carmelo Abela, noted that such a meeting emphasises the fact that government considers social dialogue as highly important. Throughout this pandemic, discussions have led to tangible results. Minister Abela added that government has honoured the important agreement reached between the employees’ representatives and employers. He went on to highlight his expectations that – in line with governments efforts to use its resources to safeguard jobs – employers should also strive to do their utmost to achieve this purpose. He also reminded those present that if companies find themselves in difficulty or in case there is the need for changes in work conditions, companies need to first hold discussions with the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations.

Minister Abela expressed his gratitude towards the majority of the companies that are doing their utmost to safeguard the jobs of their employees. He added that abuse by employers will not be tolerated. The agreement with the social partners within MCESD needs to be adhered to throughout this period too and all should make every effort to follow its content. Whilst retaining a sense of responsibility, we should continue to work in favour of this genuine collaboration leading to further collaborations. We are facing this crisis together and together we will manage to get through it. “As a country, we have managed to achieve good results through the input of government, social partners and the civil society”, said the minister. He then added that if we are wise and careful, we will be in a position to build on the good results we have achieved so far. He extended his open invitation for discussion with representatives from social partners and the civil society. “As a government we are ready to listen, and we shall continue to do so. We shall analyse all comments and feedback so that we may address issues in a more effective way”, said Minister Abela.
Minister for Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Silvio Schembri said that this is a challenging period for our country however, the most fundamental aspect is the unity amongst key stakeholders to pull the same rope. Minister Schembri noted that from the very start, the government put forward significant economic support measures aimed at businesses and self-employed to safeguard jobs resulting in Malta being amongst the first states to start issuing disbursements. He remarked that discussions pursued with key stakeholders yielded quite positive results enabling the government to present to the public even better support measures, for three consecutive times.

Minister Schembri said that throughout the transitional period that is the shift from an exit strategy to a restart strategy in order to re-stimulate the economy, the government is going to keep helping businesses thus it is crucial for everyone to work hand in hand during which the government will stand shoulder to shoulder.

The process to re-stimulate the economy will be a gradual one and the economic support measures are not going to be stopped abruptly when businesses reopen but shall remain in place till businesses recover substantially. Amid all this, it is key to keep on working closely together. I thank all stakeholders for their cooperation and input. It is everyone’s merit that we are braving the storm together and bearing positive results, said Minister Schembri.

Through their interventions, the social partners have presented their comments, concerns and issues they are currently facing in relation to the implementation of the third financial aid package announced by government. Minister Abela and Minister Schembri both remarked that they had noted the comments. They encouraged more collaborative work in order to be able to find possible solutions, adding that government is open for discussion to be able to receive feedback, analyse and take the necessary action.

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Minister Abela said that the Government is giving social partners’ proposals more priority than ever before.

He said that he will see that both MCESD and MEUSAC will be given the resources needed to improve on their services.

During his address, he spoke about the industrial revolution 4.0. which will further bring to the fore technology in our lives.

“We need to work hand in hand to understand the impact this technology could have on workers, businesses and the economy in general. We all have the responsibility to understand how advanced technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) for instance, would do this. He added that there are a number of other topics that are of importance in social dialogue and that will also be given priority, including equal pay and sustainable development in each and every sector.

On the European Semester, Minister Abela highlighted that this provides a base for the coordination of economic politics in the EU as a whole as this process gives Member States the opportunity to discuss economic plans and budgets, while the EU oversees this progress of each Member State every year.

He added that social partners have requested that an MCESD working group is set up in a bid to ensure that social partners are consulted in the process that leads to the Country Specific Recommendations known as CSRs, as they would like to contribute more in this regard. In order to bring about further collaboration, Ms Alexia Zammit, a representative from the European Commission Representation office in Malta, was invited to today’s meeting to listen and answer to any queries from social partners.

During the meeting, MCESD chairman John Bencini congratulated Minister Abela on his new appointment as Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for social dialogue, sustainable development and implementation of the electoral manifesto. He continued by emphasising the importance of equal pay for equal work and the gender pay gap, which will be given priority during this year’s MCESD discussions. He also thanked Minister Aaron Farrugia and Minister Edward Zammit Lewis for their work in the last few years which helped strengthen social dialogue.

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Referring to the work by MCESD, Minister Abela spoke on the importance that as a nation, we speak on current and future challenges that the country is facing. He stated that the social dialogue between the Government, employers and workers’ representatives should lead to further recommendations on socio-economic issues so that the families and Maltese and Gozitan businesses will enjoy better quality of life.

Minister Abela added that, on the other hand, MEUSAC is very relevant to bring about consultation on new EU laws and directives, both with Government and NGOs entities. He said that, as a country, Malta will therefore be able to respond to EU initiatives and contribute to the necessary changes.

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On March 5, 2020, MCESD met with social partners for an information session on the Maltese Government’s work tied to the Coronavirus.
This after the Government felt it was important for social partners to be informed on national preparedness in this regard. The session was led by the Chairperson of MCESD, John Bencini.

Minister Carmelo Abela said that the Government is taking the situation very seriously. MCESD falls under the remit of the Minister Abela within the Office of the Prime Minister. He told social partners that we should be prepared as best possible, but that we should not cause panic.
He urged social partners that they convey the message to their members to follow instructions issued by the Department of Health and that everyone acts on facts not speculation.
Principal Permanent Secretary, Mario Cutajar, briefed those present on the inter-ministerial work being done in this regard. Superintendent of Public Health, Prof. Charmaine Gauci, also addressed social partners.

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During the GRC meetings, the Government meets with Gozitan stakeholders with the aim of promoting small enterprises in a bid toi boosts social, econmic and social sustainability.

Both Minister Abela and Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri assured those present that that they will continue to address the challenges Gozo’s double insulairty brings about.

Minister Abela highlighted that “we want stronger and more honest social dialogue and have no plans to have MCESD serve as just a talking shop”.

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