HM Government of Gibraltar yesterday evening delivered an extensive in-person briefing to union representatives on the industrial relations implications of the future UK-EU Treaty relating to Gibraltar, as part of the Government’s wider treaty communications programme.

The session formed part of the Government’s extensive communications plan on treaty matters, which has included a series of targeted in-person briefings with key stakeholders and representative bodies. Given the importance of ensuring that those representing workers are fully informed and fully able to engage with the issues arising from the Treaty, the briefing focused in particular on industrial relations matters and the practical implications that may follow in the workplace and across public services.

The briefing was delivered by the Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, and was attended by representatives of the Gibraltar General and Clerical Association, Unite the Union and the Cross Frontier Group. Also present were the Minister for Education and the Environment, the Hon Prof John Cortes MP; the Minister for Industrial Relations, Civil Contingencies and Sport, the Hon Leslie Bruzon MP; and the Chief Secretary, Glendon Martinez.

The session began with a detailed presentation on the relevant industrial relations issues arising from the Treaty. This was followed by an extensive and open question-and-answer session, during which all those present were given the opportunity to raise as many questions as they wished and to engage directly on any point of concern or interest.

The Government welcomed the constructive nature of the engagement and the opportunity to discuss these matters directly with those representing employees across different sectors.

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo, said: “It was important to ensure that representatives of the GGCA, Unite and the Cross Frontier Group had the opportunity to hear directly from us about the industrial relations implications of the Treaty and, just as importantly, to ask whatever questions they wished, openly and fully. This Government has been clear throughout that proper engagement is essential. These are important issues, and it is right that those representing workers should be fully informed, fully heard and fully able to test the implications of what is envisaged.”

“Our approach throughout has been one of transparency, accessibility and dialogue. That is why we have embarked on an extensive programme of direct engagement with different sectors of our community. Yesterday evening’s meeting formed an important part of that process and I was pleased to be able to answer questions at length in what was, I believe, a constructive and productive exchange.”