EIROnlineThe European Industrial Relations Observatory (EIRO) is a monitoring instrument offering news and analysis on European industrial relations. Its aim is to collect, analyse and disseminate high-quality and up-to-date information on key developments in industrial relations in Europe. It aims primarily to serve the needs of national and European level organisations of the social partners, governmental organisations and EU institutions.Malta rejects revision of working time directive- February 26, 2007 Unwilling to end its opt-out clause, Malta has rejected the Finnish Presidencys compromise proposal for a revised version of the working time directive. Nevertheless, the Maltese government stated that it was in favour of negotiations to find a common EU solution for a revised directive. The social partners have supported the governments stand on the issue.http://www.eiro.eurofound.eu.int/2006/12/articles/mt0612039i.html Teachers union threatens industrial action over suspension of new posts- February 26, 2007 The Malta Union of Teachers has recently registered disputes with the government over two issues, namely the suspension of the process of appointing education officers and withdrawal of special leave granted to Maltese teachers occupying translator posts in EU institutions in Brussels and Luxembourg. While a compromise was reached regarding the translator posts, the trade union is considering industrial action if the government persists in keeping the posts of educational officers vacant.http://www.eiro.eurofound.eu.int/2007/01/articles/mt0701029i.html Industrial Tribunal rules on union representation at University of Malta- February 19, 2007 On 8 January 2007, the Industrial Tribunal ruled that the University of Malta should include the University of Malta Academic Staff Association (UMASA) in all industrial relations discussions with the Malta Union of Teachers, but stopped short of assigning sole recognition to UMASA.http://www.eiro.eurofound.eu.int/2007/01/articles/mt0701039i.html Unrest at Malta Shipyards over financial situation- February 5, 2007 While the reforms introduced to make Malta Shipyards economically viable have had a positive impact, the Minister for Investment, Industry and Information Technology has expressed dissatisfaction with the companys productivity level. The minister has also alluded to the possibility of reducing the workforce or lowering wages. The General Workers Union expressed its readiness to discuss the issues but stated that it would not accept any dismissals.http://www.eiro.eurofound.eu.int/2006/12/articles/mt0612029i.html |