The Diocesan Commission for Justice and Peace and the Diocesan Commission for Pastoral Activities among Workers has expressed “deep solidarity” with over 700 persons who are set to be dismissed fro various work places in the upcoming weeks.
While extending their solidarity to the worker’s families, the Commissions encouraged all the political, economic and social partners to collectively seek an urgent solution to the creation of adequate employment “that continues to respect the dignity of these workers”.
The Commissions added that the solution is to also guarantee a dignified life and an income which does not create unnecessary hardship for the workers and families to meet financial commitments and responsibilities.
The Commissions also noted with satisfaction statement made by VF Jeanswear management. The company who will dismiss 570 workers to move it manufacturing production over seas in a bid to cut down on salary costs said they “had no problems with the Maltese workers’ level of efficiency, skills or dedication to the job”.
The Government’s contact with the Employment Training Corporation to find the workers alternative jobs, and if necessary, re-training workers through specifically allocated funds, was also welcomed.
The Commissions also appealed to the Government to consider, during the transition to a new employment, granting all possible financial benefits to redundant workers to reduce their suffering. Likewise, the Commissions extended the appeal to banks to consider a moratorium to the redundant workers who are availing themselves of bank loans and to possibly also subsidise interest charges until they are gainfully employed once again.
“A further appeal goes to employers, especially those who are going through a period of high profitability, to consider creating on-the-job training with full remuneration to as many as possible of redundant employees,” continued the Commissions.
Finally, the Commissions appealed for the offering of prayers and help to redundant persons and their families as well as to those who are unemployed or unemployable.
On the other hand, 6,580 persons were regsitering for work in May, down by 567 persons compared to the same month last year, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO). Unemployed persons aged 45 years and over increased by 108 in the twelve months to May 2007.
From a regional perspective, the number of registered unemployed in Gozo increasedby 20 persons when compared to May 2006, while its counterpart in Malta decreasedby 587 persons.
The occupations being sought by men related to elementary duties, services andtrades were the most common, whereas women tended to seek jobs which wereclerical or service-oriented.
Additionally, in December 2006, the registered unemployment rate stood at 4.9% of thelabour supply. On a gender basis, the unemployment rate for men stood at 5.4%, whilstthe unemployment rate for women stood at 3.75.
