UHM proposals brushed aside

By Daniela Farrugia Randon

"Though the union made very reasonable claims they were not accepted by government." Mario Sacco, Secretary of the Union Haddiema Maghqudin told The Malta Financial and Business Times yesterday.

In June Union Haddiema Maghqudin presented its proposal for the Collective Agreement of the service sector 2002- 2004.

Though Mr Sacco did not elaborate on the proposals the union made he mentioned that among others they included improving health and safety conditions, assistance to workers suffering from any social or psychological differences, training for workers to be in a better position to shift jobs. He also mentioned a number of family friendly policies.

On Monday the government presented a draft collective agreement which should serve as a basis for discussion. Mr Sacco emphasised, "it has no concrete suggestions and ignores completely the union’s proposals".

When asked for a comment regarding the collective agreement Mr Sacco responded by saying that it was still premature to divulge any details.

When asked about the half days issue Mr Sacco said that it had not yet been brought up. He explained how when particular departments required changes in the time table something was always arranged and as a consequence implemented, such at the Lotto department case and that of the passport office.

Mr Sacco said that ideally an agreement should be reached before January 2002.