Chamber condemns Ministry request for union head’s mobile phone

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry have criticised the Ministry for Home Affairs for disallowing the head of Union Haddiema Maghqudin from taking his mobile phone to a meeting with Minister Carmelo Abela.

UHM secretary general Josef Vella had consequently refused to surrender his mobile phone, resulting in the cancellation of the meeting.

“This is a sign of disrespect towards social partners and the integrity of their representatives,” the Chamber said in a statement. “We therefore support Vella’s stance to decline the meeting.”

The Chamber said that they believe in social dialogue based on trust but warned that trust “is a two-way street” and that all efforts must be made in order to preserve and strengthen it.

“If the government values the contribution of social partners in the country’s social and economic development, it must treat them with the due respect,” the said.