Abela promises cooperation with UHM
George Abela promised the UHM today that it would find cooperation and collaboration from the MLP if he was elected Labour leader.
The former GWU legal adviser for a quarter century, now an MLP leadership contender, called at UHM headquarters this morning and reiterated his appeal for trade unions to form a common front on national issues.
He said trade unionism was the soul and conscience of the Labour Party and the MLP should work with all trade unions.
Regretting that trade unions had not been able to form a TUC, Dr Abela said they should seek common positions on the proposed social pact and other issues such as health and safety, exploitation of workers and the cost of living.
UHM secretary Gejtu Vella, who greeted Dr Abela, said the UHM had grown because it made a clear distinction between politics and trade unionism. He said the UHM would welcome collaboration with all trade unions as long as a declaration was made keeping politics and trade union issues separate. He regretted that the GWU paper l-orizzont and it-Torca were sometimes used to attack the UHM.
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saviour cachia
May 29th 2008, 14:46
@Ray Borg
Besides the virus of glorification at the CNL, which as you said I (indirectly) was duty bound to form part and parcel of it, after 2003 there was also a virus of converts pro European Union, including myself. Not to mention others, who are now contending for the post of MLP leader. And this does not surprise me...because our patron saint is none other than a big convert. It took him a while to see the light, but once he did, he finished a stalwart in the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church.
Only one person was consistent with regard Malta's membership in the European Union: George Abela. Lucky for him he saw the light much before us who worked so hard for partnership. So Mr. Borg do not vouch what might convert you, tomorrow, because in politics you can never say never.
Regarding the GWU, only time will tell where Dr. Abela will manage to arrive if elected MLP leader. So unfortunately you have to wait a while. But I am confident he is mature and able enough to find the way, as time has proved him right in many other instances.
Ray Borg
May 29th 2008, 00:17
@ Saviour Cachia
What are you talking about? You wrote "unfortunately, I was hit by the virus of glorification during my years at the CNL." There was no virus or epidemics in your years at CNL. You were earning money in return for your writings to gloriy Alfred Sant and "did your utmost to deliver the agenda set." probably by Alfred Sant
So you were part and parcel of the machine that helped Alfred Sant retain his grip on the Party after the 2003 defeat. Your signature sticks until eternity on many articles you wrote and to try and change tack now is a little bit prepostrous.
By the way , you did not answer my question about how George Abela's project to build bridges with the General Workers Union is progressing. I am still waiting.
saviour cachia
May 28th 2008, 20:29
@ivan scicluna
Ivan, thanks for all your compliments. In a democratic country you are free to pass them to what I believe is a labourite like you. Yes, I did work for 12 years with the MLP Sunday paper 'Kullhadd'. And I always did my utmost to deliver the agenda set. As far as I know 'Kullhadd' belongs to the Labour Party and not to its leader or those around him, who relying on what the commission report had to say about the third consecutive defeat in the general elections there was not so much to be proud about. The basic fact in the report amply showed that Dr. Alfred Sant would perhaps have done a better service to the party had he not changed his mind to resign following the defeat in the 2003 General Elections.
Maybe, unfortunately, I was hit by the virus of glorification during my years at the CNL. And now thank God I am finding the time to shower it on somebody not so much to the likening of Ivan Scicluna and who knows who, who seem rather afraid of the possibilty of George Abela's return at the CNL.
ivan scicluna
May 28th 2008, 17:40
How pathetic of Saviour Cachia going round all blogs and singing his praises to George Abela, besides filling inches and inches of newspapers columns with his letters to the editors praising his "champion". Is it because he's no longer on Sant's payroll at the Centru Nazzjonali Laburista that he has a new "champion" now? He's free to pass his favourite passtime as he likes now that he's in his pension age but his repetitive glorification is the newly found saviour of the Labour Party makes the stomach turn upside down!
John Grech
May 28th 2008, 17:25
George abela can not get everyone's support at one go. You either want to build a bridge with GWU or you dont. Going to UHM and making such statements certainly doesnt help. Maltarightnow reports that Gejtu Vella declared that the MLP-GWU collaboration was to the detriment of workers. Are you going to accept this? What did you state about this? So is this the new way of politics for the Labour party if Abela is leader?
Sergio Galea Vincenti
May 28th 2008, 16:39
@ Saviour Cachia: You seem to forget that similar meetings and discussions with civil society were held by other candidates as well... And let's not further go on on the topics of unions as much could said about the GWU since Lawrence Gonzi (Dr. Abela's friend) came to power...
To lighten up a bit the mood, I heard a good joke this morning: Dr. Alfred Sant said one of his favourite passtimes was sleeping... Dr. Abela slept for ten years so he must be a fanatic of this form of activity!
Den Axisa
May 28th 2008, 16:16
Or maybe he was watching Joseph Muscat saying those exact words on Net Tv last night....hmmm
Ray Borg
May 28th 2008, 16:13
@Saviour Cachia
How is George Abela`s bridge building project with the General Workers Union progressing?
effie carbonaro
May 28th 2008, 15:16
thats nice of you gorg.perhaps you can convince gejtu vella to make a claim of 9 pounds a week rise to the goverment ,we sure need it right now
saviour cachia
May 28th 2008, 15:09
He is the champion. Yes, Dr. George Abela is the man that can built bridges to reach those who throughout these last years have kept their distance from the Malta Labour Party. He is a man of vision, tolerant and open to dialogue. Dr. Abela is very clear in his message, and this was truly shown by his ever present consistency.
Hope the MLP delegates will really evaluate Dr. Abela's worth for the party. Without him as leader, the MLP will be missing the cherry on the cake. Good luck Dr. Abela, you are a beacon for integrity, esteem and direction to all the working class people, no matter their trade or profession.