Research structures will help MCESD function better

The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development will be able to function much more professionally and efficiently once proper research structures providing factual information on the economy and social issues are strengthened.

This was stated by MCESD chairman Edward Scicluna in a keynote speech he made at a seminar on Monday to discuss the council’s function.

The seminar was organised jointly by the Foundation for Human Resources Development, the Malta Employers’ Association and the Workers’ Participation Development Centre of the University of Malta.

Professor Scicluna said that if research structures are improved, the council will be able to function on a more professional and efficient manner. "Such consultation based on relevant research and data could lead to that level of trust needed in bringing about an agreement allowing the social partners to retain their identity, stimulating the government not only to listen seriously but to implement, whenever politically possible, what was agreed to," he said.

The seminar was held to raise awareness about the MCESD amongst employers, employees and human resource practitioners and other interested parties and included panel interventions from Mario Grixti from the FHRD, Joseph Camilleri from the MEA, Gejtu Vella from the Union Haddiema Maghqudin and Mario Cutajar from the General Workers’ Union.

The discussion focused on how useful the MCESD has been in building social dialogue amongst the social partners. Speakers on the panel and interventions from the audience highlighted the need to strengthen the council, both administratively and financially for it to function effectively.

In the past, some union representatives have criticised the council, describing it as doing little more than rubber-stamping government policies.