A historical Moment – unions join forces

It’s a historical moment. Yesterday’s announcement that the local unions are joining forces to protest against two major issues was a breakthrough. It was the first time that they are joining forces at the national level. There were many attempts in the past but for one reason or another they all failed. Some failed at the initial stages while others failed just before the final agreement.

The two issues which acted as a catalyst were the lack of consultation and the government’s mockery of social dialogue and the new water and electricity rates. The first issue is a long term issue. This has been a characteristic of the Gonzi Government. Under Premier Fenech Adami contacts with the unions were constant through Minister John Dalli.

But under Lawrence Gonzi things deteriorated especially at the MCESD level. Some time after Dr Gonzi took office he addressed the MCESD partners and one of the things that he emphasised was that he was going to give great importance to the MCESD. Not only that but he promised that he was going to be involved personally.

This did not materialise. There has never been such a lack of consultation with the unions as under this administration. This applies not only to the GWU which has been completely excluded from all consultations but it applies to all unions including the UHM. In fact UHM’s Secretary has long been complaining of lack of consultations.

In fact I’m confused when I hear the unions call themselves Social Partners because this term can only be used when there is a framework of Social Dialogue. It takes two to tango. If such a framework is non-existent or not functioning it is foolish to continue to consider yourself a Partner. Partners have rights and responsibilities. At present they are burdened with the responsibilities but they are not enjoying their rights.

It is a historic moment for the unions as all sides proved to be flexible. The GWU took the initiative but it was ready to share the limelight even though it had already gained support from other unions. I think that Vanessa McDonald was on target when she wrote:
But when the Union Haddiema Maghqudin suggested a joint protest, the GWU immediately leapt at the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder - and to make history.

I sincerely hope that the experience sharing responsibility and glory of organising this protest will be the basis of further cooperation. My experience always showed that on the shop floor in most cases there already exists cooperation between the unions. Let’s hope that such cooperation will now be the norm at the national level.