Port workers approve resolution against GWU

Port workers, members of the General Workers' Union, yesterday unanimously approved a strongly worded resolution condemning the decision by GWU general secretary Tony Zarb and the union's administration not to allow them to hold a meeting at union headquarters.

Instead, port workers held a meeting at a parish hall in Qormi where they were briefed by their legal adviser George Abela.

Dr Abela used to be one of the GWU's legal advisors but was kicked out by the union administration because he openly declared that he would not file court cases that he did not believe in.

The group of over 300 port workers present approved a resolution deploring a letter Mr Zarb had sent to all port workers in which he attacked the section secretary and their representatives.

"With this letter, the general secretary tried to undermine our representatives' credibility, all of whom were democratically elected. This should be an eye opener for all other GWU members about the way the highest echelons of the union are dealing with port workers at a time when our livelihood is at stake," says the resolution.

They also appealed to the administration to change its position and respect and support the port workers' interests.

"If the union administration persists in its decision, we will be constrained to hold a general meeting to consider our position within the GWU," the port workers concluded.

On his part, Dr Abela told port workers that he firmly believed they should remain within the GWU fold, though he questioned why he was barred from entering the GWU headquarters to address members who had faith in him.

However, he added that he did not mind speaking to them in Qormi. "It's just as well for me. Qormi is another city, Citta Pinto," he said jokingly. "But it is significant that on Workers' Day, workers cannot meet their legal advisor in the building of the union to which they belong."

Dr Abela, who was warmly welcomed by port workers who repeatedly applauded during his address, said:

"I made it clear from the outset that if I was going to assist with the complex port reform talks, I did not want someone else to interfere with political overtones and demonstrations saying that the union wants to topple the government. It is we who would have to return to the negotiating table to hold discussions with the same government that is antagonised by the protests. I made it clear there had to be a plan of action, not street protests that lead us nowhere.

"We have seen this happen so many times before. While the union proclaims victory, it is always workers who suffer as they end up hemmed in by partisan politics. I did not want this to repeat itself where port workers are concerned," he said to a big round of applause.

Dr Abela stressed the need for port workers to remain united. "It is evident that they want to break the chain. If the government were trying to do this, I would understand because we are negotiating with it. What I cannot understand is that waves are being made from within, and I wonder in whose interest it is and why the union administration is creating so many problems," he said.

Dr Abela said the port reform negotiations were being conducted by the union section secretary Manwel Zammit, the section committee and himself.

He said the GWU's deputy general secretary, Gejtu Mercieca, had told the media he understood the workers felt comfortable with Dr Abela. "So why do you feel uncomfortable with me? Don't we have a common interest?" Dr Abela asked.

"It is no secret that the GWU has many other interests, but my interest is your job, your place of work. My door is always open to anyone who asks for my help. Again I urge you to stay in the union until everyone understands that unity brings the best results."

Dr Abela recalled that just two years ago, when he no longer formed part of the union's team of lawyers, he still frequented the GWU building when he assisted workers in the Air Malta reform talks, which were successfully concluded. Only a few months ago, he met Mr Zarb there about the port workers as well.

"So what has happened since then? Why are you making port workers feel they are not part of the union? We have no political agenda. We want to safeguard port workers' jobs. Political mileage is not our aim and we will not let ourselves to be used to that end."

The meeting was also addressed by Mr Zammit, who said it had been the wish of the port workers' committee to hold the meeting at the union, but the administration had ignored several letters, the first of which was sent on March 11.

The meeting then continued behind closed doors, when members' questions about what was being proposed in the port reforms were answered. Both the Maritime Authority's negotiating team and the maritime section of the union had agreed the discussion would be private and nothing would be publicly discussed until it was finalised - one way or the other.