Clear definition of ‘precarity’ is part of the solution – Louis Grech

"It is not fair for those who take advantage of the system to be defended by obsolete definitions and outdated laws," Deputy Minister Louis Grech said, in a discussion about precarious work in Malta, during the last of a series of meetings held between the General Workers Union and newly appointed ministries.

He said this issue had already been discussed by the Cabinet, and new laws concerning the issue would be forthcoming.

Grech said he appreciates receiving studies and proposals from the GWU related to this issue, which he said is clearly a priority for the union.

Meanwhile, GWU secretary general Tony Zarb thanked the Deputy PM for the government's interest in the union's campaign to fight precarity, and promised he would keep Grech informed about the union's policy on this matter.

Zarb also talked about European funds which fall under the responsibility of the ministry. He said in recent years, each proposal put forward by the GWU regarding the use of EU funds was ignored, even though these included practical initiatives concerning, among other things, pensioners and people with a disability.

The Deputy PM insisted the government wanted all those who had a good idea to be given the help needed in order to benefit from funds. He also mentioned the government was trying hard to remove unnecessary bureaucracy and to simplify the process of approving contracts and projects by means of 'fast track' committees, purposely placed in the Contracts Department and MEPA.

GWU representatives suggested that the government should consider asking civil servants themselves for ideas about how bureaucracy can be reduced.

Also discussed during the meeting were the priorities which could be taken on by the Maltese Presidency in the EU, such as irregular immigration, poverty, the Mediterranean and the role of the citizen. 

GWU offered its help in the preparations for the Maltese Presidency in the EU, as well as to assist in lobbying so that trade union meetings on a European level could be held in Malta during this period.