Privileges lead to discrimination

Last week, General Workers' Union delegates confirmed Tony Zarb in his post as the union's general secretary, a choice that also indicated the union's future direction.

The delegates had to choose between having a more militant union and a moderate one. The vote favoured a more militant union. It was the delegates' right and responsibility to make the choice. Their decision was final, even though some may well argue that the final word has not been said yet.

Although I have no intention of interfering in the GWU's internal matters, one cannot remain passive on hearing what Alfred Sant, Leader of the Opposition, said, that the union would be a privileged partner if the Labour Party were to be returned to power.

His comment automatically grades unions into different strata. It also means that the MLP is ready to grade workers according to their union membership. This would be a clear case of discrimination as some workers will be considered more equal than others. This is the MLP's agenda.

The union should reject such comments if it wishes its members to believe they are not still anchored to the past. Such comments damage the union's integrity and prove right those who, at the beginning of the year, held firm on the Working Time Directive, opting for the right of the individual - not of the unions - to decide whether or not one is willing to work 48 hours or more per week. The GWU preferred the second option and demanded the privilege to decide itself whether or not workers could do so. Why is the union yearning for such privileges?

Privileges lead to discrimination. Discrimination breeds conflict and discourages investment. Lack of investment leads to redundancies and lack of work. One hopes this is not the road the MLP is advocating for the future.

In today's globalised world and competitive markets there is no place for such theories. Only a very thin line separates failure from success. One mistake and a year's work and investment can go up in smoke. It takes a long time to win a customer but only a second to lose one.

Contrary to what the Opposition Leader is saying, the government formed the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, where the social partners sit together and decide for the common good. This is the way forward if we wish to reap the best out of the rapid changing work scenario.

No one would ever dream of investing in an economy that has an unstable labour market. The present government has always treated the social partners equally and was able to win back confidence and investment in our economy. Let us keep it that way.

Mr Abela is president, Solidarjeta' Haddiema, PN - the Nationalist Party's Workers' Solidarity.