Friday, 8th February 2008

MUT urges trade unions to stay away from party politics

The Malta Union of Teachers has disassociated itself from the CMTU's participation in a Nationalist Party activity held in Sta Venera last Tuesday in which a public discussion took place led by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

The MUT, which is an affiliate of the CMTU, has urged the trade union movement to sustain its independence and autonomy, especially during politically-charged periods such as electoral campaigns.

"The Malta Union of Teachers has always sustained the view that the trade union movement ought to be entirely independent and autonomous of political affiliations.

While trade unions have a right and indeed an obligation to inform and liaise with political parties so that the latter may benefit from their industrial expertise, participation in purely partisan activities may have serious repercussions on the operation of trade unions," the MUT said.