Abela greeted by GWU administration

Labour leadership contender George Abela was given a warm welcome at a meeting with GWU leadership this morning.

Dr Abela served for a long number of years as the union’s legal adviser before resigning some years ago. Relations have, however, been improving over the past few months.

In his meeting he underscored the long history of cooperation between the MLP and the GWU and said the party should continue to work closely with the trade unions for the benefit of the workers.

He said when questioned, however, that having a privileged trade union (a term once used by Afred Sant) would undermine the autonomy of that trade union.

Dr Abela called for a united trade union movement but said that any body which emerged from such unity should reflect the size of each union within it.

Dr Abela was welcomed by GWU general secretary Tony Zarb who said it was important for the MLP to continue to keep social justice at the fore of the nation’s agenda. He said that in the current difficult economic climate, it should not be the workers who were made to shoulder all the burdens. He also insisted on the need for more social dialogue.