Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/761508
9 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2016 MATTHEW VELLA ONE of Malta's main employers has listed US president-elect Don- ald Trump as a potential risk fac- tor, according to regulatory filings filed by Methode Electronics with the Security and Exchange Com- mission. Methode, a Chicago-based de- signer and maker of parts for au- tomotive, appliance and other industries, has a major manufac- turing plant in Mriehel and about two-thirds of its 4,300 workers are in Malta and Mexico. Earlier this week, Methode added Donald Trump to list of potential "risk factors" due to comments on the North American Free Trade Agreement. "Any attempt by President-elect Trump to withdraw from or mate- rially modify NAFTA and certain other international trade agree- ments could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations," Methode said in bold letters. "A significant portion of our busi- ness activities are conducted in for- eign countries, including Mexico and China." Trump's victory in the US presidential election, as well as his winning control of the House of Representatives and Senate of the United States in the congressional election, could pose problems for compa- nies with plants outside the United States, as well as those in the clean energy industry and healthcare. In 2016, Methode booked $809 million in sales – more than 60% was in the US, but about 15% was in China. The company has plants in Shanghai, Cairo, Malta, and Mon- terrey, Mexico. "During the campaign, President- elect Trump made comments sug- gesting that he was not supportive of certain existing international trade agreements, including NAF- TA," Methode said, adding that it was unclear as to whether any changes will in fact be made to in- ternational trade agreements. News Nurses threaten strike over breakdown of sectoral talks MATTHEW AGIUS THE Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses has threatened industrial action over what it says is the failure by the Di- rector General of People and Standards in the Office of the Principal Permanent Secretary to conclude two sectoral agree- ments. The MUMN said it was "dis- gusted" by the lack of progress in talks with the directorate, despite last meeting three weeks ago. The union claims that no manner of reply or even acknowledgement of a letter had been received to date. "It is clear that the MUMN is being sidelined and ignored," Gen- eral Secretary Colin Galea said. "This union is not going to accept this situation any long- er. The MUMN has shown goodwill in this dispute many times, but the same cannot be said about this directorate." The trade union accused the PPS of failing to appreciate the professional work done by the two categories of workers who, it said, often went beyond the call of duty to care for the sick. Instead of encouraging these professionals to continue giv- ing their all in the execution of their duties, it is strategically side-lining and ignoring these workers. The MUMN gave notice that if it is not given an appoint- ment in which to conclude the two sectoral agreements by Wednesday 14th December, the workers involved would begin industrial action, includ- ing strikes, from the day after, without giving further notice. "risk factors" due to comments on the North American Free Trade "Any attempt by President-elect Trump to withdraw from or mate- rially modify NAFTA and certain other international trade agree- ments could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations," Methode "A significant portion of our busi- ness activities are conducted in for- eign countries, including Mexico Trump's victory in the US presidential election, as well as his winning control of the House of Representatives and Senate of the United Who's scared of Donald Trump? Methode Electronics is… Donald Trump's antipathy towards the NAFTA trade deal has been listed as a 'risk factor' for Methode Electronics, whose bulk of employees are located in overseas plants