A quandary the GWU did not create

I refer to the editorial A Quandary Of Its Own Making (May 6) in which The Times stated that it is understandable for the GWU to feel so aggrieved by the port workers' decision to choose a legal adviser of their own in talks over the proposed port reform. While understanding the union's aggrieved position, the editorial went on to say that the fact that workers choose their own adviser could mean an in-built fear on the workers' part that other union interests may interfere in its work on their behalf.

Anyone who is familiar with the work of the GWU in the industrial relations sphere cannot understand the meaning of "in-built fear on the part of workers that other union interests may interfere in its works on their behalf". In defending the workers' rights, the GWU has never considered or brought up any interests other than those of the workers themselves whatever they may be.

As regards the choice of legal advisers, it is common knowledge that the GWU has never imposed its will or objected to any of its members wanting, on a personal level, to use the services of a legal adviser of their choice, even if the GWU offers legal assistance free of charge through its legal counsels to all its members when they need it. It cannot therefore be logically understood or accepted that the GWU would allow also the use of its facilities by non-union advisers, when a member, of his own accord, chooses to seek legal services outside the union structures.

Of course, there is a reason behind every course of action. And it was not on the part of the GWU that port workers sought George Abela's services, so much so that as long as the issue is trade union related, the GWU insisted that it will be the section's secretary to command and conduct the negotiations on behalf of the union's members.

Also, if one considers the frenzied, persistent and indecent attacks by the Nationalist Party media on the GWU and its officials ever since the closure of Sea Malta, no wonder that the port workers acted the way they did.

Finally, I want to assure readers that the GWU is as independent as it can be. Not only, but it is also collaborating with the social partners within and outside the Malta Council for Social and Economic Development who now, more than ever before, are recognising and understanding much better what the GWU is doing in defence of the workers' rights. The recent meetings with employers' bodies is a clear example of this.