Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517065
12 7.3.2024 NEWS THE Bishops of Malta met with social partners of the MCESD to discuss the economy and the state of Maltese so- ciety and ways to enhance the quality of life for Maltese and Gozitans. The meeting, presided over by MCESD Chairman Perit David Xuer- eb, was held at the Archbishop's Cu- ria, and included the participation of the Archbishop of Malta Charles Sci- cluna, Auxiliary Bishop of Malta Jo- seph Galea-Curmi, the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Andy Ellul, and members of the Justice and Peace Commission. During the meeting, the Justice and Peace Commission outlined its mis- sion to help develop the country's social consciousness through the Church's teachings. President Daniel Darmanin high- lighted the Commission's recent pro- jects, including 'Beyond GDP' for en- vironmental sustainability and 'Ejja Ejja Culture' for health and safety in the construction sector. He addressed key citizen concerns such as financial income, housing, job quality, health- care, and education. The Commission reaffirmed its ded- ication to collaborating with social partners and government bodies to tackle these challenges. Archbishop Scicluna said that those managing and driving the country's economy have a responsibility to work towards long-term objectives to pro- tect future generations. "As a country, we have confirmed the choice, although against all currents, to respect human life from the very beginning, from conception. With this decision, we are telling our future generations that they are welcome and that they will grow up in an envi- ronment that welcomes and protects them. This is an important contribu- tion to society and a clear demonstra- tion of the value of mercy towards our neighbour." The Archbishop urged a shift in mentality and reminded those pres- ent that the state is not made up of the political party that governs but of all citizens. "We need to develop further what the Italians call 'il senso dello stato' because, as a people, our behaviour towards each other is still influenced by a colonial mentality. We should be conscious of the fact that we do whatever we do, whether pos- itive or negative, for our children and not for the government." He emphasised the significance of including foreigners in decision-mak- ing, strongly advocating against treat- ing them as second-class citizens. Scicluna stressed our duty to recog- nise the valuable contributions they are making to the country and warm- ly welcome them into our society. He said that the Church in Malta is active- ly present with foreign communities, particularly with Christians residing among us, through the involvement of priests and laypeople. The Parliamentary Secretary for So- cial Dialogue, Andy Ellul, expressed his satisfaction with the focus on workers' dignity. Hon. Ellul empha- sised the transformative power of social dialogue in improving people's lives. He highlighted legislative achieve- ments aimed at enhancing the dignity of workers, including the regulation of platform workers, resulting in im- proved working conditions and fairer wages. He underscored the historic agreement that increased the mini- mum wage by €21 per week, a testa- ment to the government's commit- ment to dignified labour practices. Ellul also explained that the temping agencies law will also provide digni- ty to workers employed through em- ployment agencies, both Maltese and foreign. Furthermore, he stressed the impor- tance of implementing 'equal pay for work of equal value', advocating for parity between workers of employ- ment agencies and those directly em- ployed by companies. He welcomed the endorsement of this concept by the Church in Malta, recognising its significance in bolster- ing workers' dignity. The Social Partners welcomed re- cent initiatives, emphasising the need for inclusive policies benefiting all sectors of society. Discussions ad- dressed pressing challenges, includ- ing housing affordability, inflation, population growth, family value pres- ervation, work ethics, and bolstering security and enforcement measures nationwide. The Civil Society Committee ad- dressed pertinent issues such as drug-related concerns, while the Gozo Regional Committee spotlight- ed specific challenges affecting Gozo, notably environmental conservation and sustainable development. Highlighting the essential role of the Archdiocese of Malta in fostering social dialogue, the MCESD under- scored the significance of continuous engagement with the Church and its affiliates. This collaborative effort is deemed essential to addressing the economic and social challenges confronting our nation and ensuring the well-being of future generations through sustaina- ble policies and development. MCESD, Maltese Bishops discuss ways Maltese society can be improved Left: The Archbishop of Malta Charles Scicluna with the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, Andy Ellul